Five people rescued in Kiribati after three months lost at sea

Five people, including two children, were rescued in the South Pacific island nation of Kiribati this week after drifting at sea for three months in a 20-foot skiff, authorities said.

The Rescue and Survivors

Villagers rescued the group on Sunday, Nov. 1, off Fanning Island in Kiribati, according to reports from the Australian Broadcasting Corp. and The Times in the U.K. The survivors had drifted an estimated 3,350 miles east from the Federated States of Micronesia.

Nursing officer Paukin Tororo told the ABC on Monday, Nov. 2, that all five survivors were severely dehydrated and malnourished. All five were placed on intravenous drips and were showing signs of recovery. "They can give a smile face; they show the sign they want to eat," Tororo told the ABC. She also noted, "They can move their head side by side."

Kaotitaake Rakoroa, a lawmaker in Kiribati, told ABC that the survivors were being cared for by a pastor on the island. The survivors have requested privacy and have not yet spoken publicly about their ordeal.

Background of the Disappearance

The group of nine people was originally attempting a one-hour crossing between the islands of Murilo and Ruo in Micronesia when they were caught in a storm, according to the ABC. The skiff failed to return to Ruo Island on July 30, at which point it was reported missing.

The U.S. Coast Guard in Guam confirmed the disappearance and noted that a 10-day search covering 33,000 square miles followed the initial report. On Aug. 10, the U.S. Coast Guard in Micronesia stated in a news release that it had called off its search after covering more than 25,000 nautical miles and more than 31 search patterns.

Missing Persons and Official Responses

While five people were rescued, four others from the original group of nine remain missing.

Alexander Narruhn, the governor of Micronesia’s Chuuk state, issued a statement Sunday saying he had begun talks with the Kiribati government to bring the survivors home. "There were nine people aboard the boat that went missing. Thanks be to God for his love and mercy that five of the nine have been found," Narruhn said through an interpreter. He added, "We continue to pray for their four companions."

Regarding the missing individuals, the U.S. Coast Guard told The Associated Press that it is continuing to gather and confirm information. In a statement to PEOPLE, the Coast Guard said, "We are extremely relieved to hear that five individuals were found and are receiving care based on media reports. We extend our profound condolences for those who are still missing."

In an email to The Associated Press, the Coast Guard added, "Incredible and wonderful news these five folks were found and are receiving care," and stated, "Our profound condolences to family and friends of those who did not arrive with them."

---

Sources

• nbcnews.com: After months lost at sea on a small boat, 5 people are rescued in the island nation of Kiribati
• people.com: 5 People Survived 3 Months Lost at Sea After Trip in 20-Foot Boat

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.