Three missing sailors were rescued from a tiny Pacific island over the weekend after writing a large “SOS” sign on the sand, U.S. and Australian authorities said Monday.
The men were found in “good condition” Sunday in Pikelot Island, which is part of the Micronesia archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean, according to the Australian defense department.
They had been missing for nearly three days when a team of searchers on Australian and U.S. aircraft spotted their distress signal on the uninhabited island.
The three men set out from Pulawat atoll aboard a 23-foot boat on Thursday and planned to travel Pulap atoll, a 23-mile journey, but they sailed off course and ran out of fuel, Australian officials said in a statement.
There were no reports of injuries, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
Crews from the nearby U.S. territory of Guam began searching for the sailors on Saturday and later asked Australia’s Canberra military ship for help.
“I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are in the world,” said Canberra’s commanding officer, Capt. Terry Morrison.
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