Three sailors stuck on remote island rescued

The crafted 'HELP' using palm leaves

US Coast Guard personnel rescued them

Three American sailors, marooned on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean for more than a week, were rescued recently following the spotting of their makeshift ‘HELP’ sign crafted from palm leaves on the pristine sandy shore. The US Coast Guard confirmed that a Navy aircraft, scouring the area for the missing men, detected the distress signal and promptly facilitated the rescue of the trio, all in their forties.

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Discovered in good health on April 9, the sailors were located on Pikelot Island, a deserted 32-acre enclave adorned with swaying palm trees. Praising the sailors’ resourcefulness in fashioning the ‘HELP’ message, the US Coast Guard hailed it as a remarkable testament to their determination to be found, emphasizing its pivotal role in their eventual rescue.

Lieutenant Chelsea Garcia, overseeing the search and rescue efforts, extended gratitude to the collective efforts of all involved parties, underscoring the seamless coordination and collaboration between the US Coast Guard, the US Navy, and local partners.

The ordeal began when the trio embarked on an Easter fishing expedition on March 31. However, their 20-foot skiff encountered mechanical issues, rendering it inoperable and leaving them stranded on the remote Pikelot Atoll. Following their failure to return home six days later, their concerned niece alerted authorities, prompting a swift and extensive search and rescue operation conducted jointly by the Coast Guard and the US Navy.