Coast Guard Rescues Three Men Stranded on Deserted Island in Micronesia

Three men who went missing after embarking on a fishing trip from Polowat Atoll, Micronesia, have been safely rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard, following a remarkable display of ingenuity that led to their discovery. The men, all in their 40s, departed from Polowat Atoll on March 30 in a 20-foot skiff with an outboard motor, intending to fish near Pikelot Atoll, approximately 100 miles away. Their absence prompted concerns from family members, leading to coordinated search and rescue efforts by the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam.

Despite challenges posed by limited aircraft availability and adverse weather conditions, search operations were intensified with the assistance of a U.S. Navy P-8 aircraft from Kadena Air Force Base in Japan and the USCG Cutter Oliver Henry. Spanning over 78,000 square nautical miles, the search culminated in the remarkable discovery of the stranded mariners on Pikelot Atoll on April 7, thanks to the observant eye of the P-8 Poseidon aircraft.

In a testament to their resourcefulness and determination to be found, the mariners had spelled out ‘HELP’ on the beach using palm leaves, a critical indicator that guided rescue efforts directly to their location. Lieutenant Chelsea Garcia of the U.S. Coast Guard hailed this act of ingenuity as pivotal in facilitating their discovery, emphasizing the effective coordination and partnership between the Coast Guard, the Navy, and regional partners.

Survival packages were deployed to the fishermen by the crew of the aircraft, while the USCG Cutter Oliver Henry was rerouted to the atoll for the rescue operation. Upon establishing communication, it was confirmed that the men were in good health, with access to food and water, and had managed to recover their damaged boat. Despite being slightly dehydrated, the men were able to sustain themselves on water from a well on the island and meat from coconuts until the arrival of rescue assistance.

Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir of Coast Guard Forces Micronesia, Sector Guam, reported that the men were retrieved from Pikelot Atoll on Tuesday by the Oliver Henry and safely transported back to Polowat Atoll. The successful rescue mission underscores the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Coast Guard to safeguarding lives and maintaining maritime safety within the Micronesian region.

Lieutenant Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of the cutter Oliver Henry, reflected on the significance of the operation, emphasizing the profound human connections forged through such endeavors. As the rescued men reunite with their families, the rescue serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role played by maritime communities in ensuring the safety and well-being of all those at sea.