3 Men Rescued After Pikelot Island SOS Sign Spotted By Search Team

Three missing men have been rescued in the Micronesia archipelago after a giant SOS sign was spotted in the sand on uninhabited Pikelot Island.

After setting sail from Pulawat atoll in a 23-foot (7-meter) boat on July 30, the three had intended to travel 27 miles (43 kilometers) to Pulap atoll when they accidentally deviated from the intended course and ran out of fuel, according to the AP.

Searchers in Guam had asked for Australian help to locate the missing boaters, which resulted in assistance from the Canberra, a military ship that was returning to Australia from completing exercises in Hawaii. After the request was made, the ship joined forces with U.S. searchers from Guam in order to continue the search efforts.

The men were later found approximately 118 miles (190 kilometers) from where they had set sail. As noted by the publication, each of them were in good health upon being rescued and were given food and water after being found.

"I am proud of the response and professionalism of all on board as we fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of life at sea wherever we are in the world,” said the Canberra’s commanding officer, Capt. Terry Morrison in a statement.

A Micronesian patrol vessel was scheduled to pick them up at the time of publication.