Stranded Mariners Rescued After Spelling ‘HELP’ on Pacific Island
In a daring operation led by the US Navy and Coast Guard, three mariners were rescued from a tiny Pacific Ocean islet after being stranded for over a week. The trio managed to catch the attention of rescuers by spelling out “HELP” using palm fronds on the white-sand beach.
A Tale of Survival and Unexpected Reunion
The three men had set out to fish around the Pikelot Atoll in Micronesia on March 31, but their 20-foot skiff encountered rough seas, resulting in a damaged outboard motor. After making it to the uninhabited Pikelot, their radio died, leaving them stranded without a means to call for help.
Living off coconut meat and with access to fresh water from a small well on the island, the men awaited rescue. Their families raised the alarm when they failed to return to the Polowat Atoll, sparking a search and rescue mission that covered vast distances in the remote Pacific.
Ingenuity and Reunion on the Remote Island
Located in the Federated States of Micronesia, Pikelot is a speck in the vast Pacific Ocean. A US Navy reconnaissance jet spotted the palm-frond “HELP” sign on April 7, leading to the crucial discovery of the mariners.
Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the mission coordinator, emphasized the significance of the sign in guiding the rescue efforts across the expansive search area. Survival packs were dropped, and communication established with the stranded men, who were eager to return home.
When the Coast Guard arrived, Petty Officer 2nd Class Eugene Halishlius, a Micronesian, surprised the men by speaking their language. In a remarkable twist, it was revealed that Halishlius was related to the mariners, adding a unique layer to the rescue mission.
Unprecedented Family Reunion and Past Rescues
This was not the first time castaways had been rescued from Pikelot. In 2020, a similar incident occurred, highlighting the challenges and occasional mishaps faced by travelers in the region.
Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir emphasized the skill and experience of Micronesian travelers, attributing the incidents to occasional accidents. The unexpected family reunion on the remote island added a touch of serendipity to the dramatic rescue mission. – CNN
