Five people have been rescued near Kiribati after spending approximately three months adrift in the Pacific Ocean, in an ordeal that began as a short journey between islands in the Federated States of Micronesia.
The group was among nine people who departed Murilo Island on 30 July, intending to reach nearby Ruo Island. A storm reportedly pushed their small boat off course.
On 1 November, villagers near Fanning Island, also known as Tabuaeran, discovered five survivors, including two children, thousands of kilometres from where their journey began.
A ten-day search failed to locate the boat.
The survivors are receiving medical care.
Four of the original passengers remain missing. Their circumstances have not been established.
Chuuk State Governor Alexander Narruhn said discussions had begun with Kiribati authorities to arrange the survivors' return home.
The rescue highlights both the dangers of ocean travel between remote Pacific communities and the importance of local residents who respond when vessels reach isolated islands.
The survivors have requested privacy while recovering.
