Ananova:

A Taiwanese fisherman shocked his family by suddenly reappearing - after being deserted on an island for 27 years.

Hu Wenhu, 58, went on a fishing trip to the Indian Ocean in 1981 and stopped at Reunion Island for a short stopover, reports Taiwan Network.

"We arrived at the island after three months at sea, and the captain told the 30 of us that the ship would sail again in 15 days," he said.

"However, when I came back 15 days later the ship had already left with the others, and I had to beg on the streets."

With the help of the islanders, Hu learnt French at school, opened a Chinese restaurant on the island and later he even married three times.

"The first two marriages ultimately ended because of my uncertain identity," Hu explained on return to his family home in Hualian township.

"I missed my elderly mother terribly. Also since my new wife has been pregnant for three months, I had to come back to renew my Taiwan ID."

Hu was saddened to learn that his mother passed away 21 years ago after years of worrying about her son, but he felt relieved when the court annulled his death announcement after being reported missing for 27 years.

Hu said he now plans to return to Reunion Island and apply for citizenship there.