Three sailors were rescued from an atoll near Japan after writing “HELP” in the sand on the small island next to it.
The men, experienced sailors in their 40s, set out April 1 from Polowat Atoll, a coral island in Micronesia, in an open skiff, officials said.
On April 6, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam received a “distress call” from a relative of the men, who said her three uncles had not returned from their trip to Pikelot Atoll, an outer island in Yap State, Micronesia.
Watchstanders “immediately” began coordinating rescue efforts for the stranded sailors with the U.S. Coast Guard, and despite adverse weather conditions and limited access in the area, a crew member of a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft stationed in Japan was transported to the 78,000 square meter square. nautical mile area.
On April 7, the crew located the men on Pikelot Atoll after their “ingenious act” led the rescue team straight to them. Their boat engine stopped working and their boat was damaged.
“In remarkable evidence of their will to be found, the sailors spelled ‘HELP’ on the beach with palm fronds, a crucial factor in their discovery,” said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission’s coordinator.
Three male sailors had been stranded on Pikelot Atoll since April 1 and were rescued on April 7 after officials noticed their large “HELP” message in the sand.
On April 6, the Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam received a “distress call” from a relative of the men, who said her three uncles had not returned from their trip to Pikelot Atoll.
“This act of ingenuity was critical in directing rescue efforts directly to their location,” Garcia added.
After the aircraft identified the written message, the crew dropped survival kits for the men until further help arrived.
The next day, a U.S. Coast Guard plane based in Hawaii flew over the area and established communication with the men after they radioed.
“The sailors confirmed they were in good health, had access to food and water and recovered their boat, which unfortunately suffered damage, rendering it and the outboard motor inoperable,” officials said.
“They expressed their wish for assistance in returning to Polowat.”
USCGC Oliver Henry, a rapid response cutter, reached the sailors Tuesday morning and delivered them safely to Polowat Atoll.
“Whether we are protecting valuable resources or saving lives, we are not just visitors – we are members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands,” said Lt. Ray Cerrato, commander of USCGC Oliver Henry. .
Cerrato added that this particular rescue mission highlighted the kind of difference the crew can make for people.
USCGC Oliver Henry, a rapid response cutter vessel, reached the sailors Tuesday morning and delivered them safely to Polowat Atoll
The US Coast Guard has reminded sailors to ensure their vessels are fully equipped with an emergency position indicating radio ‘to increase safety on the water’
Incredible rescue footage showed the US Coast Guard crew rescuing the men from the island as they ferried them home on an orange boat.
Another depicted captured officials going to the shore to rescue the men as they stood on the sand.
Lieutenant Commander Christine Igisomar said: “Every life saved and every sailor returned home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship, and has a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the resilience of communities across the FSM. ‘
The U.S. Coast Guard reminded sailors to ensure their vessels are fully equipped with an emergency position indicating radio “to enhance safety on the water.”
In 2020, three other men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after writing a large ‘SOS’ message in the sand that was spotted from the air by Australian pilots.
Their appeal for help, written on the beach of Pikelot Island, where they had left on July 30, was seen by Australian and American aircraft.
The men were reportedly sailing between the atolls of Poluwat and Pulap when they veered off course and ran out of fuel.
In 2020, three other men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after writing a large ‘SOS’ message in the sand that was spotted from the air by Australian pilots.
Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, a scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean
The Australian Defense Force and HMAS Canberra worked together on the operation, sailing overnight to reach the search area.
With the assistance of American aircraft operating from Guam, the HMAS Canberra located the sailors on the island.
An army reconnaissance helicopter landed on the island and delivered food and water to the three men.
They confirmed the identities of the sailors and checked whether they had been injured.
Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, a scattered archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean.