Three fishermen recently went missing after departing from Polowat Atoll, Micronesia, to embark on a fishing trip. The U.S. Coast Guard eventually rescued the lost men on Tuesday, after a U.S. Navy plane spotted the word “help,” spelled out from pieces of palm tree.
“The help sign was pretty visible. We could see it from a couple thousand feet up in the air. We noticed the island first and then on the first circle, we were able to see the ‘Help’ sign. We were later able to tell that it was made up palm fronds,” said U.S. Coast Guard Commander Keith Arnold.
Reportedly, the mariners had struck a coral reef with their boat, which put a hole in the bottom of the vessel and started taking in water. Subsequently, the three men spent nine days stranded on the deserted island before their plea for help was discovered by the Navy plane.
“Our unwavering dedication to the search and rescue mission not only ensures the safety and well-being of mariners and coastal communities but also reinforces the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the United States and the FSM and with our DoD partners,” stated Capt. Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam.
Lt. Cmdr. Christine Igisomar, the operation’s search and rescue mission coordinator, praised the strong partnerships that made the mission successful. “Every life saved, and every mariner returned home is a testament to the enduring partnership and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship, making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the resilience of communities across the FSM,” said Igisomar.
Lt. Chelsea Garcia praised the ingenuity of the individuals who arranged the palm leaves to spell out their request for help. She further applauded the strong partnership between the Coast Guard and Navy, which allowed for the safe return of the fishermen.
“In a remarkable testament to their will to be found, the mariners spelled out ‘HELP’ on the beach using palm leaves, a crucial factor in their discovery. This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,” she said. “This successful operation underscores the effective coordination and partnership between the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy, and regional partners.”
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Lt. Ray Cerrato, commanding officer of the cutter Oliver Henry, explained their role in the maritime communities. Aside from honorable actions, such as the recent rescue mission, he expressed the importance of the connections they forge with others on the seas.
“Whether we’re out there protecting valuable resources or saving lives, we’re not just visitors – we’re members of this vibrant maritime community that connects all these islands,” he noted. “This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make. It’s about more than just performing a duty; it’s about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch.”
According to the U.S. Coast Guard, all mariners should equip their vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) in the event that a rescue operation is needed, such as the men who were stranded on the island.
Featured image credit: Coast Guard