Image copyright
AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
The three sailors constructed an SOS message on the beach
Three Micronesian sailors stranded on a tiny, remote island in the western Pacific have been saved after rescuers spotted their SOS message on a beach.
The men were found on Pikelot Island in Micronesia by Australian and US military aircraft on Sunday, the Australian Defence Force (ADF) said.
They had been missing for three days after their 7m (23ft) skiff ran out of fuel and strayed far off course.
All were found in “good condition” with no major injuries, the ADF said.
Authorities in Guam, a nearby US territory, initiated the search on Saturday, after the men failed to complete a 42km (26 miles) trip from Pulawat to Pulap atolls.
Instead their vessel ended up at Pikelot Island, nearly 200km west of where they had set off.
After their SOS was spotted from the air, an Australian helicopter landed on the tiny island and gave the men food and water.
- SOS spotted on camera saves Australian camper
The helicopter came from the HMAS Canberra, which had been on its way to Hawaii for naval exercises when it was called to help in the search.
Image copyright
AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
The stranded sailors waved goodbye to Australian military personnel who brought supplies
Image copyright
AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE
Australian military deploying from HMS Canberra
The sailors were to be taken home by a Micronesian patrol vessel, Australian officials said.
Micronesia, in the western Pacific, consists of some 600 tiny islands scattered over a vast ocean expanse.
- Micronesia country profile
Cpt Terry Morrison of the Australian Navy said in a statement: “I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfil our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are.”