It’s a small world after all
The fishermen’s shipwreck ordeal began on March 31, they set off from Polowat Atoll, 850 miles off the coast of Papua New Guinea. Each of the three men, all in their 40s, was an experienced fisherman who knew the local islands like the backs of his hands. Large waves damaged the engine of the men’s fishing boat, knocking their only mode of propulsion out of service. Fortunately, they managed to get ashore on Pikelot Atoll. Well, that’s “fortunately” in a relative sense. They were no longer drifting on the ocean — just stranded on an uninhabited island a whopping 0.049 square miles in size. That said, there are much worse islands to be stranded on. Visiting fishermen have built a makeshift chapel (it’s really just an awning with a tarp for walls) and expanded a small spring into a functioning well. Additionally, Pikelot’s palm trees are full of coconuts. So, at least the men had a rudimentary shelter and weren’t about to immediately die of hunger or thirst. For the next week, they survived by eating coconuts and drinking water from the well.
Even with some food and water, the men did want to eventually get off the atoll. So, they spelled a large sign calling for “HELP” on the beach, using fallen palm fronds. When the fishing trio failed to return on time from their trip, their families grew worried. Fortunately, the fishermen had told their families that they planned to fish in the waters surrounding Pikelot. That gave the USCGFM a handy starting point for their search. On April 7, a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance aircraft noticed the “HELP” message on Pikelot’s beach. “This act of ingenuity was pivotal in guiding rescue efforts directly to their location,” Lt. Chelsea Garcia, the coordinator of the rescue mission, told CNN. The following day, another Coast Guard aircraft flew over the island and airdropped a radio and survival packages to the men. With the radio, they were able to let their families know they were alive, in good shape, and waiting for a ride home.
On the vessel was Petty Officer 2nd Class, Eugene Halishlius. He was among the first group of rescuers to come ashore on Pikelot. Halishlius is Micronesian, as were the stranded fishermen. They seemed surprised to see Halishlius among the European Americans, and they were even more surprised that Halishlius also spoke the same local language. The men asked how come the U.S. Coast Guard serviceman knew their language. We wish we could’ve been there to see the castaways’ faces when Halishlius told them his name and background. That’s because they were all related. One of the fishermen was Halishlius’ third cousin, while the other two were fourth cousins. “It’s a crazy world,” Halishlius said. “He couldn’t believe I’m with the US Coast Guard trying to rescue them.” Perhaps so, but we can’t imagine a much better way to get rescued. With the help of their cousin, the fishermen were safely united with their more closely related families.
Deserted island jokes
Three men were stranded on a desert island, and they found a magic lamp. When they rubbed the lamp, a genie appeared and offered them each one wish.
The first man said, “I wish I were rich and famous.”
The genie granted his wish, and he was suddenly transported to Hollywood, where he became a famous movie star.
The second man said, “I wish I were back home with my family.”
The genie granted his wish, and he was suddenly transported back to his hometown, where he was reunited with his family.
The third man looked around and said, “I’m kind of lonely here. I wish my friends were here with me.”
Nancy Pelosi, Gavin Newsome, and Doctor Fauci are stuck on a deserted island, who survives? America
A shipwrecked mariner has spent several years on a deserted island, completely alone. Then one morning he was thrilled to see a ship offshore and a smaller vessel pulling out towards him. When the boat grounded on the beach, the officer in charge handed the marooned sailor a bundle of newspapers and told him: “The captain said to read through these and let us know if you still want to be rescued.”
April 15th Birthdays
1991 – Emma Watson, 1960 – Emma Thompson, 1998 – Maisie Williams, 1933 – Elizabeth Montgomery
1983 – Seth Rogen, 1996 – Cody Christian, 2000 – Hootie Hurley, 1452 – Leonardo DaVinci