Three sailors were rescued from an atoll near Japan after writing “HELP” in the sand on the small island.
The men, experienced sailors in their 40s, left Polowat Atoll, a coral island in Micronesia, on April 1 in an open boat, authorities said.
On April 6, the Joint Rescue Subcenter on Guam received a “distress call” from a relative of the men, who said their three uncles had not returned from their trip to Pikelot Atoll, an outer island in Yap state. , Micronesia.
Observers “immediately” began coordinating rescue efforts for the stranded sailors alongside the U.S. Coast Guard, and despite adverse weather conditions and limited access to the area, a P-aircraft crew 8 US Navy Poseidon based in Japan was sent to the 78,000-person plaza. Nautical mile area.
On April 7, the crew located the men on Pikelot Atoll after their “act of ingenuity” led the rescue team directly to them. His boat’s engine had stopped working and his boat was damaged.
“In a remarkable testament to their willingness to be found, the sailors spelled ‘HELP’ on the beach using palm fronds, a crucial factor in their discovery,” said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, search and rescue mission coordinator.
Three sailors were stranded on Pikelot Atoll since April 1 and were rescued on April 7 after officials saw their large “HELP” message written in the sand.
On April 6, the Joint Rescue Subcenter on Guam received a “distress call” from a relative of the men, who said their three uncles had not returned from their trip to Pikelot Atoll.
“This act of ingenuity was essential in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,” García added.
Once the plane identified the written message, the crew dropped survival packs for the men until more 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 launching a radio at them.
“The sailors confirmed that they were in good health, had access to food and water, and recovered their boat, which unfortunately sustained damage, rendering both it and its outboard motor unusable,” officials said.
“They expressed their desire to receive help to return to Polowat.”
The USCGC Oliver Henry, a fast response cutter, reached the sailors Tuesday morning and brought them safely home 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 of these islands,” said Lt. Ray Cerrato, USCGC Commander Oliver Henry. .
Cerrato added that this specific rescue mission “hits the nail on the head” of the “kind of difference” the crew can make to people.
The USCGC Oliver Henry, a fast response cutter, reached the sailors Tuesday morning and brought them safely home to Polowat Atoll.
The U.S. Coast Guard reminded mariners to ensure their vessels are fully equipped with an emergency position indicator radio “to enhance safety on the water.”
Incredible rescue footage showed the US Coast Guard crew rescuing the men from the island as they were taken back home in an orange boat.
Another photo shows captured officials heading to shore to save the men as they stood on the sand.
Lieutenant Commander Christine Igisomar said: “Every life saved and every sailor who returns home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship, which has a profound impact on people’s lives and the resilience of communities throughout the WSF”. ‘
The U.S. Coast Guard reminded mariners to ensure their vessels are fully equipped with an emergency position indicator radio “to enhance safety on the water.”
In 2020, three more men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after they wrote a large “SOS” message in the sand that was seen from the air by Australian pilots.
Their request for help, written on the beach of Pikelot Island, where they had departed on July 30, was seen by Australian and American planes.
The men were reportedly sailing between Poluwat and Pulap atolls when they veered off course and ran out of fuel.
In 2020, three more men were rescued from Pikelot Atoll after they wrote a large “SOS” message in the sand that was seen from the air by Australian pilots.
Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, an archipelago scattered in the western Pacific.
The Australian Defense Force and HMAS Canberra joined the operation and sailed through the night to reach the search area.
With the help of American aircraft operating from Guam, 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 sailors’ identities and checked to see if they had suffered any injuries.
Pikelot Island is part of the Caroline Islands, an archipelago scattered in the western Pacific.