A massive search and rescue operation was launched in the Pacific ocean after three family members failed to finish a short journey between two islands – incredible images showed the moment they were found
A family lost in the ocean for a week has been found alive in a dramatic midnight rescue operation.
Two men and a woman were discovered drifting in a small boat in the Pacific Ocean after their engine failed. A major search was launched after the group failed to arrive at their intended destination, which raised the alarm. The trio set off from Fananu Island, in Micronesia, on March 30 for what should have been a short journey to Murillo Island but they never arrived.
The alarm was raised six days after the family set off on their journey, with authorities in the Federated States of Micronesia and the US Embassy reported the boat was overdue, on Easter Sunday, and launched the search for the missing people.
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The rescue mission was made difficult by rough seas, with waves reaching up to 10 feet high. Despite spending days alone and stuck in the ocean, all three family members were thankfully found alive and uninjured.
All three family members were safely brought ashore to Chuuk State before being transferred back to Fananu Island. Incredible images showed the moment the missing trio reunited with their loved ones after being lost of a week.
The incredible Pacific search mission covered a vast area of more than 14,000 square nautical miles. The massive search was made up of multiple teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard Joint Rescue Sub-Center Guam and Air Station Barbers Point, which deployed a Hercules aircraft from Hawaii.
Capt. Brian Whisler, commanding officer of the Midgett, said: “National Security Cutter crews spend most of their time executing maritime law enforcement missions, often with our international partners. SAR cases like this one are not routine for our platform.
“Our bridge watchstanders spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight, and that kind of situational awareness does not happen by accident. It is what this crew trains for, and I could not be prouder of how they performed.”
The US ambassador to the Federal States of Micronesia, praised the operation and said: “Our U.S. Coast Guard colleagues’ swift and courageous actions in this successful search and rescue mission not only reflect the highest standards of professionalism and humanity but also reinforce the deep and enduring partnership between the United States and the Federated States of Micronesia.
“This mission exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and mutual support at the heart of the Compact of Free Association, underscoring how our close relations translate into real, life-saving outcomes for our people.” Officials said the family’s ordeal began after their boat’s single outboard engine failed, leaving them stranded at sea.
