Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
3 Men Rescued From Pacific Island After Writing SOS in Sand
gvw_ap_news
By Associated Press
Published 5 years ago on
August 4, 2020

Share

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Three men have been rescued from a tiny Pacific island after writing a giant SOS sign in the sand that was spotted from above, authorities say.

“I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are in the world.”Capt. Terry Morrison 

The men had been missing in the Micronesia archipelago for nearly three days when their distress signal was spotted Sunday on uninhabited Pikelot Island by searchers on Australian and U.S. aircraft, the Australian defense department said Monday.

The men had apparently set out from Pulawat atoll in a 7-meter boat on July 30 and had intended to travel about 43 kilometers to Pulap atoll when they sailed off course and ran out of fuel, the department said.

Searchers in Guam asked for Australian help. The military ship, Canberra, which was returning to Australia from exercises in Hawaii, diverted to the area and joined forces with U.S. searchers from Guam.

The men were found about 190 kilometers from where they had set out.

“I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are in the world,” said the Canberra’s commanding officer, Capt. Terry Morrison, in a statement.

The men were found in good condition, and an Australian military helicopter was able to land on the beach and give them food and water. A Micronesian patrol vessel was due to pick them up.

SOS is an internationally recognized distress signal that originates from Morse code.

RELATED TOPICS:

DON'T MISS

What Are Fresno Real Estate Experts Predicting for 2025 and Beyond?

DON'T MISS

First California EV Mandates Hit Automakers This Year. Most Are Not Even Close

DON'T MISS

Florida State Gunman Used Deputy Mom’s Former Service Weapon, Authorities Say

DON'T MISS

Giants Befuddled by Sánchez’s Changeup in Loss to the Phillies

DON'T MISS

Trump Officials’ Defiance Over Abrego Garcia’s Deportation Is ‘Shocking,’ Appeals Court Says

DON'T MISS

Jane Fonda Packs the Saroyan Theatre, Delivers an Empowering Message

DON'T MISS

AOC Emerges as Top Democratic White House Contender for 2028

DON'T MISS

Why Fresno Unified Tried to Keep Superintendent Search Secret

DON'T MISS

White House Eyes Overhaul of Federal Housing Aid to the Poor

DON'T MISS

Dems Step Up Trump Resistance as Base Hungers for More of a Fight

DON'T MISS

2 Killed and 5 Hurt in Florida State University Shooting; Gunman in Custody

DON'T MISS

Fresno Unified Trustees Passed Over a National Superintendent of the Year

UP NEXT

Hamas Ready to Release All Remaining Hostages for End to Gaza War, Hamas’ Gaza Chief Says

UP NEXT

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Trump Plan to End Birthright Citizenship

UP NEXT

More Than 40% of Puerto Rico Customers Without Power After Island-Wide Blackout

UP NEXT

Popular AIs Head-to-Head: OpenAI Beats DeepSeek on Sentence-Level Reasoning

UP NEXT

Al Sharpton Calls Meeting With Target’s CEO Amid DEI Backlash ‘Very Constructive and Candid’

UP NEXT

Former Pentagon Spokesman Tied to Online DEI Purge Was Asked to Resign

UP NEXT

The Kings Agree to Hire Scott Perry as General Manager, AP Source Says

UP NEXT

Trump: We Will Have a Trade Deal With China

UP NEXT

Shooting at Florida State Sends Students Running; Nearby Hospital Says It’s Treating People

UP NEXT

Zelenskiy Says Ukraine Has Evidence of China Supplying Russia With Artillery

Jane Fonda Packs the Saroyan Theatre, Delivers an Empowering Message

10 hours ago

AOC Emerges as Top Democratic White House Contender for 2028

11 hours ago

Why Fresno Unified Tried to Keep Superintendent Search Secret

11 hours ago

White House Eyes Overhaul of Federal Housing Aid to the Poor

12 hours ago

Dems Step Up Trump Resistance as Base Hungers for More of a Fight

12 hours ago

2 Killed and 5 Hurt in Florida State University Shooting; Gunman in Custody

12 hours ago

Fresno Unified Trustees Passed Over a National Superintendent of the Year

12 hours ago

Hamas Ready to Release All Remaining Hostages for End to Gaza War, Hamas’ Gaza Chief Says

13 hours ago

Ford Recalls More Than 148,000 Vehicles, NHTSA Says

14 hours ago

Supreme Court to Hear Arguments on Trump Plan to End Birthright Citizenship

14 hours ago

Florida State Gunman Used Deputy Mom’s Former Service Weapon, Authorities Say

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — The 20-year-old son of a sheriff’s deputy opened fire Thursday at Florida State University with his mother’s...

10 hours ago

10 hours ago

Florida State Gunman Used Deputy Mom’s Former Service Weapon, Authorities Say

10 hours ago

Giants Befuddled by Sánchez’s Changeup in Loss to the Phillies

10 hours ago

Trump Officials’ Defiance Over Abrego Garcia’s Deportation Is ‘Shocking,’ Appeals Court Says

10 hours ago

Jane Fonda Packs the Saroyan Theatre, Delivers an Empowering Message

11 hours ago

AOC Emerges as Top Democratic White House Contender for 2028

11 hours ago

Why Fresno Unified Tried to Keep Superintendent Search Secret

12 hours ago

White House Eyes Overhaul of Federal Housing Aid to the Poor

12 hours ago

Dems Step Up Trump Resistance as Base Hungers for More of a Fight

Help continue the work that gets you the news that matters most.

Search

Send this to a friend