Without fuel and without food: How five family members survived nearly 100 days in the middle of the ocean

Nine family members set out on a short boat trip between two islands in Micronesia, but were swept about 5,400 kilometers across the Pacific Ocean. For nearly three months, they survived on fish and birds and drank rainwater, until five of them managed to reach a remote island. Four family members died along the way, and the survivors were located after following the sound of church bells.

Five family members survived nearly 100 days in the middle of the Pacific Ocean after setting out on a short boat trip between two islands in Micronesia and being swept about 5,400 kilometers off course. Nine family members departed on July 30 for a voyage from Murilo Island to Ruo Island in Chuuk State, which was supposed to take about an hour. Fuel ran out and stormy weather swept them off course. The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search that lasted ten days and covered about 85,000 square kilometers, but on August 9 the operation was called off with no findings. The survivors collected rainwater for drinking and subsisted on fish and birds. Four family members died and their bodies were thrown into the sea. After nearly 100 days, the five reached Fanning Island in Kiribati, followed the sound of church bells, and arrived at a village. The residents initially thought they were drunk people. The five suffered from severe dehydration and malnutrition and received medical treatment. Chuuk Governor Alexander Narruhn welcomed their rescue.