Five of nine people missing on a boat in the Pacific found alive after nearly three months

Five people who had drifted in the open ocean for almost three months in a small boat were rescued last week in Kiribati, an island nation in the southern Pacific. Two children are among the survivors. Four other people travelling with them are still unaccounted for. The story was reported by the Australian outlet “abc.net.au”.

What happened

Nine people had set out by boat from Murilo island to Ruo island in Micronesia. The trip was expected to take about an hour, but a storm struck along the way. The US Coast Guard in Guam confirmed that the boat was reported missing after it failed to arrive back at Ruo on 30 July.

A ten-day search covering an area of roughly 85,700 square kilometres followed, but neither the boat nor its occupants were found. Currents are estimated to have carried the vessel about 5,400 kilometres east of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Rescue and condition

On Sunday, local residents found the stranded people near Fanning Island, which belongs to Kiribati. Kaotitaake Rakoroa, a member of Kiribati's parliament, said a local pastor is looking after the survivors. All five were severely dehydrated and weakened by malnutrition. They were given intravenous fluids, and their condition has gradually improved.

The survivors have not yet spoken publicly about their ordeal and have asked for their privacy to be respected.

What comes next

Alexander Narruhn, governor of Chuuk State in Micronesia, said he has begun talks with the Kiribati government on bringing the survivors home. He thanked God for the five people found and said prayers continue for the four other travelling companions. The US Coast Guard, which expressed condolences to the families of those still missing, continues to gather and verify information about the fate of the four.