Men stranded on island use palm fronds to spell out ‘HELP’

The U.S. Coast Guard and Navy successfully rescued three men who were stranded on Pikelot Atoll for over a week, thanks to their ingenious use of palm leaves to spell out “HELP” on the beach. The men, all in their 40s, had set out from Polowat Atoll on Easter Sunday in a small boat equipped with an outboard motor.

After a distress call from a relative, responders located the men on Pikelot Atoll and safely returned them to Polowat Atoll, about 100 miles away. The successful rescue operation highlighted the effective coordination between the U.S. Coast Guard, Navy, and regional partners.

Captain Nicholas Simmons, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam, emphasized the importance of search and rescue missions in ensuring the safety of mariners and coastal communities. The Navy’s assistance, including a P-8 Poseidon aircraft, was crucial in locating the stranded men.

The Coast Guard recommended that boat operators equip their vessels with an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to aid in emergencies. Loaner programs for these devices are available in many maritime communities, making it easier for everyone to access this critical safety tool.

The successful rescue of the stranded men on Pikelot Atoll serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and cooperation in maritime emergencies.