GIANT SOS IN SA ND LEADS TO RESC UE OF STRANDED SAILORS

Three Micronesian sailors stranded on a remote Pacific island drew a giant SOS message in the sand to attract the attention of rescuers, who found them three days after they went missing at sea. Australian and U. S. aircraft located the men on tiny Pikelot island, about 200 km west of where they had set off in a seven-metre skiff before veering off course and running out of fuel. “I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board,” the Australian Navy’s Capt. Terry Morrison said. Morrison commands the HMAS Canberra, which sent a helicopter to the rescue after officials in the U. S. territory of Guam raised the alarm.