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A family of three was rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard after spending nearly a week stranded at sea in the Pacific Ocean, officials said Monday. The dramatic rescue happened after the family's boat became disabled, leaving them adrift off the coast of Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia.
According to a U.S. Coast Guard news release, the family—two men and one woman—departed from Fananu Island on Monday (March 30) for a short trip to Murillo Island. Their 23-foot skiff, powered by a single outboard engine, never arrived. Authorities in Micronesia and the U.S. Embassy reported the vessel overdue on Sunday (April 5), sparking a large-scale search.
Rescue teams faced tough conditions, with waves reaching up to 10 feet and a search area spanning more than 14,000 square nautical miles. The Coast Guard cutter Midgett was already in the region and began searching that night. The crew's bridge watchstanders spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight, and all three family members were rescued without injuries. They were later transported to Weno, Chuuk State, for further care and to reunite with loved ones, Stars and Stripes reported.
Coast Guard officials said the family did not have a radio or location transponder on board and likely survived by fishing for food during their ordeal. Chief Warrant Officer Sara Muir of Coast Guard Micronesia/Sector Guam explained, "It’s our belief that the initial engine issue took place that first day and they were adrift from then on." The family was found to have no health issues when picked up.
The rescue operation involved coordination between multiple Coast Guard units, including teams in Guam and Hawaii, and support from regional partners. A Hercules airplane from Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, also assisted in the search.
Captain Brian Whisler, commanding officer of Midgett, praised his crew: "Our bridge watch standers spotted the small skiff in rough seas just after midnight, and that kind of situational awareness does not happen by accident. It is what this crew trains for, and I could not be prouder of how they performed." Jennifer L. Johnson, U.S. Ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia, called the rescue "a reflection of strong cooperation between the two nations."
Officials noted this type of search and rescue mission is not routine and highlighted the value of having capable Coast Guard vessels positioned throughout the vast Pacific region. The rescued family was returned safely to land, and no injuries were reported