Following the disappearance, the US Coast Guard launched a massive search operation throughout the region. (Governor’s Office, Chuuk State)
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Five people, including two children, were rescued from remote waters of the Pacific Ocean after surviving for three months adrift in a small boat, according to authorities and international media.
The three adults and two children who were rescued on November 1 were among the nine passengers who left on July 30. Their trip was intended to be a routine one-hour crossing between the Micronesian islands of Murilo and Ruo, according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) and The Times of London.
However, shortly after departure, a sudden storm knocked the skiff 20 feet off course, leaving it stranded in open water.
Cruise ship battles rough Pacific seas to rescue injured, stranded sailor
After the disappearance, the US Coast Guard launched a massive search operation throughout the region.
After traveling more than 25,000 nautical miles during 31 search programs without locating the vessel, the agency suspended its active search on August 10, it said in an initial press release.
The three adults and two children who were rescued on November 1, pictured above, were among nine passengers who embarked on what was supposed to be a routine one-hour crossing between the Micronesian islands of Murilo and Ruo on July 30, according to numerous reports. (Governor’s Office, Chuuk State)
The ordeal ended when residents of Fanning Island, Kiribati, spotted the ship drifting off their coast and brought the five passengers ashore, according to the ABC and The Times.
Kiribati lawmaker Kaotitaake Rakoroa told media that the survivors were taken in by a local church pastor, who provided them with shelter and immediate care.
‘Thanks to God’
The five were suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration when they arrived.
Despite their physical condition, local medical staff noted steady improvement.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Paukin Tororo, a nurse treating the survivors, told ABC the group had started showing positive signs of recovery, including smiling, moving their heads and indicating an appetite for food.
Five survivors were rescued near Kiribati after spending three months adrift in the Pacific Ocean aboard a 20-foot boat. The photo above is an aerial view of Tarawa Atoll in Kiribati from the eastern end, showing Bikenibeu and Bonriki with the coral reef. (iStock)
Authorities have not released details about how the group survived the three-month journey or what happened to the four passengers missing so far.
“Incredible and wonderful news. These five individuals have been found and are receiving treatment,” the U.S. Coast Guard said in an email to The Associated Press (AP).
“We continue to pray for their four companions.”
“Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those who did not arrive with them.”
When asked by the AP what happened to the missing four, the Coast Guard said it was continuing to gather and confirm information and would respond as soon as possible.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
Alexander Narruhn, governor of Micronesia’s Chuuk state, has begun discussions with the Kiribati government to arrange the repatriation of survivors, the AP said.
The U.S. Coast Guard launched a massive 10-day search (not shown) covering more than 25,000 nautical miles before suspending operations on August 10. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
“There were nine people on the boat who went missing. Thank God for his love and mercy, five of the nine people were found,” Narruhn said through an interpreter in a statement cited by the AP.
“We continue to pray for their four companions.”
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Members of the group have yet to speak publicly about their ordeal and have asked that their privacy be respected.
Family members from the Federated States of Micronesia told media they had been in contact with some members of the group.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Coast Guard for comment and additional details.
Gn world
