Rescued after 33 days at sea
Published: September 19, 2006
After more than a month lost at sea, four Mortlock Island residents were recovered Sept. 4 in Marshall Islands waters by a Chinese longline fishing vessel.
Passengers Denter Rickysam, Ritako Rickysam, Aisel Johnny and Jeremy Jennyu were found in good health and spirits.
The four subsisted on copra, fish and rainwater during their 33 days adrift.
“We’re tired, but ok,” said Denter Rickysam.
Rickysam is the deputy mayor of Oneop. Ritako, his wife, and family members Johnny and Jennyu were also aboard the drifting 19-foot craft, set adrift after becoming disoriented Aug. 2 by rain and darkening skies.
The rescuing vessel transported the four, including their small boat, to Majuro, arriving the morning of Sept. 6. They flew back to Chuuk Sept. 9.
The group was reported missing by Oneop residents Aug. 2 when they did not return as expected from a funeral in Satowan.
A massive search effort involving the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, FSM National Police and Chuuk State aircraft and watercraft was called off Aug. 11.
The group reported sighting aircraft and several vessels during the month but was unable to make contact.
The boat carried no navigational equipment. They were assisted by only a flashlight and a small mirror. In order to conserve their gas supply, they started the engine only when they saw passing vessels or a school of fish.
“We always encouraged each other not to be thinking negatively,” said Denter Rickysam.
Once safely aboard the Chinese vessel Rickysam contacted the Oneop mayor by radio to notify him of the rescue.
FSM police were subsequently alerted, upon overhearing the communication.
The boat was reportedly picked up about 120 miles southwest of Majuro.
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