An hour’s journey across the Pacific Ocean turns out to be the greatest battle of their lives for five people. According to a report, 5 people, including 2 children, wandered in the Pacific Ocean for nearly 100 days, eating turtles and birds and drinking rainwater to survive. The men set out on a one-hour journey between the islands of Micronesia, but were stranded in a small boat. During this difficult journey these people also lost 4 members of their family before their eyes.
According to the report, on July 30, nine people boarded a small, 20-foot boat among the islands of Micronesia to collect some essential items. But, due to a storm, the boat went astray. Meanwhile, the boat ran out of fuel. Those on board the boat included 31-year-old Tadwinson Paul and eight other members of his family.
The US Coast Guard launched a search operation
Arthur Irons II, an official from the Micronesian state of Chuuk (where the family originates), said he reported the family’s disappearance to the federal government, prompting the US Coast Guard to launch a search operation. Although the operation was called off after several days of searching, the family remained stranded at sea.
Wandered in the Pacific Ocean for 100 days
It drifted in the Pacific Ocean for about 100 days, after which it was rescued on 1 November. During this difficult time, the family waved to passing ships and planes in hopes of rescue, but their efforts went unanswered.
Turtles and birds survived by eating them
According to media reports, family members survived by eating turtles and birds and drinking rainwater. As days passed, four members of the group died, including a child. The survivors were forced to throw their bodies into the sea.
The remaining 5 people included 3 men and 2 teenage boys.
After spending nearly 100 days at sea, the five survivors finally saw land. Their boat traveled more than 3,000 miles before reaching the island of Kiribati on November 1. The journey ended when their small boat hit the coral-strewn shores of Fanning Island and broke up. The remaining five people, three men and two teenage boys, headed towards a nearby village after hearing the sound of church bells.
The priest took care of five people
The villagers initially thought that these people were drunk, as they were having a lot of trouble walking. The five men, who were reportedly naked, malnourished and severely dehydrated, were taken in and cared for by a local church pastor. According to a report, by November 2, the condition of these people began to improve. Nursing officer Pokin Tororo said his strength is slowly coming back.
Preparations for survivors to return home
“They can turn their head to the side,” Tororo said. They may smile and indicate by gestures that they want something to eat. Meanwhile, Chukchi Governor Alexander Naruhan confirmed on Sunday that he had begun negotiations with the Kiribati government to arrange for the survivors to return home. The American Coast Guard also breathed a sigh of relief after hearing the news that five people were found alive. “We are relieved to learn that five people have been found and, according to media reports, are receiving the necessary care,” the Coast Guard said in a statement. Our deepest condolences to those still missing.
