Five Found Alive Following Three Months at Sea in the Pacific

The group of nine left Murilo in Micronesia on July 30 for a short trip to nearby Ruo Island. A storm drove their 20-foot skiff off course, and they drifted about 3,400 miles east before villagers found them near Fanning Island, part of Kiribati.

A U.S. Coast Guard search covered 25,000 nautical miles before it was called off on August 9. The Coast Guard said the five were receiving care and expressed sympathy for the families of those still missing.

A nursing officer said the survivors were severely dehydrated and malnourished. They received intravenous fluids and were showing signs of recovery. Kiribati lawmaker Kaotitaake Rakoroa said a local pastor was caring for them and recommended moving them to Kiritimati, the nearest urban centre, for further medical treatment.

The survivors have asked for privacy and have not spoken publicly about their ordeal. Micronesian official Alexander Narruhn said he had started discussions with Kiribati’s government to arrange their return home. There has been no update on the other four people who were aboard the boat.