On April 7, the U.S. Coast Guard embarked upon a rescue mission to save three men who had gone missing while fishing near Pikelot Atoll in Micronesia. The trio, all in their 40s, had left from nearby Polowat Atoll on March 30 and were believed to be experienced fishermen.
However, when they failed to return, their families grew concerned and coordinated with the Joint Rescue Sub-Center (JRSC) Guam to launch a search and rescue operation. This operation presented several challenges due to aircraft availability and weather conditions, but the Coast Guard persevered in their efforts to locate and rescue the men.
Thanks to the tireless teamwork and cooperation of the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and other regional partners, the mariners were located on Pikelot Atoll by a Navy P-8 aircraft on April 7.
In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the men had spelled out the word “HELP” on the beach using palm fronds, which ultimately guided rescue efforts directly to their location.
The crew of this aircraft deployed survival packages to the stranded fishermen while a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, the Oliver Henry, was rerouted to the atoll to rescue the men.
The success of this operation was further underscored by the deployment of an HC-130J Hercules aircraft, which dropped a radio to establish communication with the men stranded on Pikelot Atoll.
After confirming the men’s condition and receiving the necessary supplies, the Oliver Henry was able to retrieve the fishermen and bring them back to Polowat Atoll on April 9.
Despite being slightly dehydrated, the men were found to be in good health and were able to survive on coconuts and water from a well on the island until the rescue mission.
In the words of Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir, this mission illustrates the strong partnership and coordination between different branches of the military and regional partners in the area.
It highlights the importance of human connection in such rescue missions, with commanding officer Lt. Ray Cerrato of the Oliver Henry emphasizing the impact that their actions have on the lives of individuals.
