Five people, including two boys, have been rescued near Fanning Island in Kiribati after drifting about 5,400 kilometres across the Pacific in a six-metre boat. They were found on November 1, three months after leaving Micronesia for what was expected to be a one-hour crossing between the islands of Murilo and Ruo. Four other passengers are presumed dead.
The boat was caught in a storm and carried east, according to the account. The survivors were identified by Australian broadcaster ABC as three men, Wanis Weita, Wboy Weita and Akinis David, and two boys, Paul Paul and Tedwin Paul. Local villagers found them and arranged for their care.
A nurse said the five were severely dehydrated and malnourished. They received intravenous fluids and were showing signs of recovery, including asking for food. The survivors have not spoken publicly about their ordeal and have reportedly asked for privacy. It remains unclear how they survived at sea.
The US Coast Guard said it was “incredible and wonderful” that the five had been found and were receiving care, while expressing condolences to the families of those who did not make it. The agency had ended its search on August 9 after 10 days, during which it covered more than 85,000 square miles. US Navy and Air Force aircraft also took part in the operation.
Chuuk State Governor Alexander Narruhn said he had begun talks with Kiribati’s government to arrange the survivors’ return. A Kiribati lawmaker recommended transferring them to Kiritimati for further medical care.
The rescue follows other recent incidents in Kiribati’s waters. Last week, an 18-year-old from Bougainville in Papua New Guinea was rescued after drifting more than 2,000 kilometres for 41 days; his cousin did not survive. The previous month, three other people from Bougainville survived about 70 days at sea, reportedly eating dried coconuts, cocoa, fish and turtles.
Sources: Le Figaro.