Call it a real-life scene reminiscent of the 1960s television series “Gilligan’s Island.”
Three mariners were rescued on April 9 by U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the U.S. Navy after spelling out “HELP” with palm leaves after being stranded on Pikelot Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia for more than a week.
"This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location," said Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the search and rescue mission coordinator on the day they were located. "This successful operation underscores the effective coordination and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and regional partners. We extend our gratitude to everyone involved."
Responders successfully located the three mariners on Pikelot Atoll and returned them and their outboard 100 nautical miles to Polowat Atoll, Chuuk State, according to a Coast Guard release.
Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam received a distress call from a relative of the three mariners on April 6 reporting her three uncles had not returned from Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 nautical miles northwest of Polowat Atoll.
The three mariners, all men in their 40s, reportedly embarked on their voyage from Polowat Atoll Easter Sunday in a small 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor and experience in navigating these waters.
JRSC Guam watchstanders began coordinating a multifaceted search and rescue operation that initially spanned over 78,000 square nautical miles. A U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon aircraft identified the three mariners on April 7 on Pikelot Atoll, confirming their presence and condition.
The aircraft crew successfully deployed survival packages to sustain the mariners until further assistance could arrive.
Reach Julia LeDoux at Julia@connectingvets.com.