Three fishermen were rescued from the Pikelot Atoll in the Pacific Ocean after they were stranded for over a week. The men, who had embarked on a fishing trip from Polowat Atoll on Easter Sunday, became marooned when their skiff was damaged by massive waves. Their ingeniously crafted ‘HELP’ signal, spelled out with palm fronds on the beach, was spotted by the US Coast Guard cutter Oliver Henry, leading to their discovery and subsequent rescue.

The search operation, which covered over 78,000 square nautical miles, was initiated after a family member raised the alarm. The fishermen survived by consuming coconuts available on the island until help arrived. The rescue highlighted the effective collaboration between the US Coast Guard, Navy, and regional partners in such missions. Notably, among the rescuers was a relative of the stranded men, who facilitated communication by speaking the same local language.

This incident underscores the crucial role visible signals play in rescue operations across the remote Pacific Ocean regions. The rescued fishermen were reported to be in good health, and aid was provided until they could be safely evacuated from the island.