Five people have been rescued in the South Pacific after being adrift for three months.
Their boat went missing on 30 July 2026, with nine people onboard. It had embarked on a one-hour crossing between Murilo and Ruo islands when it was caught in a storm.
After the 20ft skiff failed to arrive at its destination, Ruo Island, a ten-day search ensued which covered around 85,700sqkm.
Now the boat’s been found 5,400km away from where it was last seen.
“Incredible and wonderful news, these five folks were found and are receiving care,” the US Coast Guard told the Associated Press. “Our profound condolences to family and friends of those who did not arrive with them.”
Australian Broadcasting Corp. reports that villagers spotted the boat off the coast of Fanning Island, part of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati, and helped rescue the passengers.
Five survivors receiving medical treatment
Nursing officer Paukin Tororo told the ABC that all five were severely dehydrated and malnourished. All were put on intravenous drips and were showing signs of recovery. “They can give a smile face; they show the sign they want to eat.”
Arthur Irons II, an official in the Micronesian state, told the New York Times that the boat ran out of fuel and blew off course. He says the passengers saw ships and planes in the distance. Although they waved for help, their vessel was too far away.
Four others, including a child, died during the months at sea, according to reports.
“There were nine people aboard the boat that went missing. Thanks be to God for his love and mercy that five of the nine have been found,” says Micronesia’s Chuuk state governor Alexander Narruhn.
“We continue to pray for their four companions,” he adds.
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