The U.S. Coast Guard rescued three men from an island in Micronesia after they sent out a "HELP" message using palm tree leaves. The sign led to their rescue nine days after setting sail.
They were reported missing after failing to return after a trip to Pikelot Atoll, an uninhabited coral island located 415 miles from Guam. This is the second time in four years that individuals have been rescued from the island.
The Coast Guard said in a statement that the three experienced mariners, all males in their 40s, set off from Polowat Atoll, a Federated States of Micronesia island.
On Easter Sunday, they left for Pikelot Atoll, about 115 miles distant, in a conventional 20-foot skiff powered by an outboard motor, according to the Coast Guard. After the men failed to return, a relative notified the Coast Guard's Joint Rescue Sub-Center in Guam that her three uncles were missing, resulting in a search and rescue mission.
In bad weather conditions, first responders began scouring an area larger than 78,000 square nautical miles. Then they saw the soldiers from the air, thanks to the homemade "HELP" sign.
Coast Guard officials then airdropped survival kits and a radio to the soldiers, while a U.S. Coast Guard vessel approached the island. The seafarers then radioed back, reporting that they were in good health and had access to food and water, according to the US Coast Guard. They also retrieved their boat, which had been damaged and was no longer functioning, and requested assistance in returning to Polowat.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the rescue demonstrates great coordination between the US and the Federated States of Micronesia, as well as U.S. Navy soldiers stationed in the vicinity.
Micronesia, located in the western Pacific, is made up of approximately 600 tiny islands spread across a wide ocean.
Pikelot Atoll, albeit deserted, is frequently frequented by hunters and fisherman. It has also been the location of another rescue in recent years. In 2020, the Australian Defence Force rescued three Micronesian mariners after they spelt "SOS" on the beach.
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Micronesia: Men rescued on island after displaying ‘HELP’ sign on beach
