Island castaways used palm leaves to signal for ‘HELP’

Three men had been stranded on Pacific island for more than a week

Three castaways have been rescued from a tiny remote island in the Pacific Ocean after spelling out “HELP” in palm leaves on a beach.

They had been stranded on the Pikelot Atoll, part of Micronesia, for over a week when they were rescued by the US Navy and Coast Guard.

The alarm was raised by the men’s niece, who on Saturday reported they had not returned from a voyage on Easter Sunday.

The three, aged in their 40s, had experience navigating the waters around the island. They embarked on their voyage from Polowat Atoll around 100 nautical miles away in a 20-foot open skiff equipped with an outboard motor.

A search was immediately launched spanning a vast area, and the men’s position was found due to their smart thinking.

“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,” said Chelsea Garcia, the searchand-rescue mission co-ordinator.

“This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location.”

Rescuers dropped a radio to establish communication and the men confirmed they were in good health. They had access to food and water.

However, their skiff had sustained damage and its engine did not work. Navy and Coast Guard officials dropped aid until a ship could reach the island to take the men home.

“This recent operation near Pikelot Atoll hits home the kind of difference we can make,” said commanding officer Ray Cerrato.

“It’s about more than just performing a duty, it’s about the real human connections we forge and the lives we touch.”