By Salma El-Sakka
Five people, including two children, have been rescued in the South Pacific nation of Kiribati after spending three months adrift at sea in a 20-foot skiff. The boat carrying nine people went missing on 30 July during a short crossing between the islands of Murilo and Ruo in Micronesia.
Months-long ordeal began with storm
The group set out on what should have been a one-hour journey but were caught in a storm. The boat ran out of fuel and blew off course, leaving the passengers stranded. Over nearly 100 days they saw ships and planes in the distance but were too far away to signal for help.
Search called off, survivors found 5,400km away
The US Coast Guard in Guam searched 85,700 square kilometres for 10 days before calling off the operation. Last week, villagers on Fanning Island in Kiribati spotted the skiff aground on a reef, approximately 5,400 kilometres from where the boat was last seen. They guided the three men and two teenagers to safety.
Four perished during drift
Four passengers, including a child, died during the months at sea. The survivors were severely dehydrated and malnourished. Nursing officer Paukin Tororo said they were placed on intravenous drips and are showing signs of recovery, including the ability to smile and express hunger.
Officials coordinate repatriation
Chuuk state governor Alexander Narruhn said he has begun talks with the Kiribati government to bring the survivors home. Lawmaker Kaotitaake Rakoroa noted the survivors are being cared for by a local pastor. The US Coast Guard described the rescue as "incredible and wonderful" while offering condolences to the families of those who did not survive.
Recent similar rescue in region
Last week, an 18-year-old was rescued after drifting for 41 days between the islands of Tarawa and Maiana, though his cousin died during the ordeal. The pair had been on a fishing trip when their engine failed.
