MELBOURNE, Australia — Five people, including two children, were rescued this week in the South Pacific island nation of Kiribati after drifting for three months in a 20-foot skiff, authorities said. Four others remain missing.
Villagers rescued the group Sunday off Fanning Island, the Australian Broadcasting Corp. reported, after they had drifted an estimated 5,400 kilometers (3,355 miles) east from the Federated States of Micronesia.
The U.S. Coast Guard in Guam confirmed Tuesday that the skiff, carrying nine people, was reported missing after it failed to return to Ruo Island in Micronesia on July 30. A 10-day search covering 85,700 square kilometers (33,000 square miles) found no sign of the missing boat or those aboard.
“Incredible and wonderful news that these five people were found and are receiving care,” the U.S. Coast Guard told The Associated Press in an email.
“Our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who did not return with them,” the email added.
When asked by the AP about the four missing individuals, the U.S. Coast Guard said it was continuing to gather and confirm information and would respond as soon as possible.
Kaotitaake Rakoroa, a lawmaker in Kiribati, told ABC that the survivors were being cared for by a pastor on the island.
Nursing officer Paukin Tororo told the ABC on Monday that all five survivors were severely dehydrated and malnourished. All were placed on intravenous drips and were showing signs of recovery.
“They can smile now. They are showing signs that they want to eat,” she told the ABC.
The survivors have not yet spoken publicly about their ordeal and have requested privacy, the Australian broadcaster reported.
Alexander Narruhn, governor of Micronesia’s Chuuk state, issued a statement Sunday saying he had begun talks with the Kiribati government to bring the survivors home.
“Nine people were aboard the boat that went missing. Thanks be to God for His love and mercy that five of the nine have been found,” Narruhn said through an interpreter.
“We continue to pray for their four companions,” he added. Narruhn did not immediately respond to the AP’s request for comment.
The nine had been making a one-hour crossing between the islands of Murilo and Ruo when they were caught in a storm, the ABC reported.
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