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Missing Sailors Rescued on Island After Drawing Huge ‘SOS’ Sign in Sand: See the Photo

Search and rescue teams located three missing Micronesian sailors after spotting their massive “SOS” sign written in the sand on a beach. The men went missing three days before the authorities located them on the tiny island.

On Sunday, Australian and US military aircraft found the three men on Pikelot Island. The emergency responders found the three sailors about 125 miles away from where they set off in their 20-foot skiff, according to New York Post.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CDeCIDTltlW/?igshid=l9me4pk4zddl

The men intended to sail 27 miles to Pulap atoll after departing the Federated States of Micronesia island Pulawat atoll on Thursday. However, their vessel ran out of fuel leaving them stranded on the island.

Australia’s HMAS Canberra was sailing between Australia and Hawaii when it received a distress signal. A Canberra helicopter spotted the “SOS” on the beach near a small makeshift shelter. The helicopter then landed to offer assistance.

Canberra commanding officer, Captain Terry Morrison, praised the rescue team for their efforts. “I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are in the world,” Morrison said, The Guardian reports.

Rescuers say they found the missing sailors “in good condition” with no significant injuries. Before a Micronesian patrol vessel picked up the sailors, they received a shipment of food and water.

[H/T New York Post]

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