4 Dec 2014

PNG drifters in FSM after five months at sea

3:04 pm on 4 December 2014

Two men are in hospital in the Federated States of Micronesia after being rescued from a small boat that was adrift at sea for five months.

Michael Bolong and Ambros Wavut disembark the Yap Seagull in Pohnpei, FSM, Micronesia

Michael Bolong and Ambros Wavut disembark the Yap Seagull in Pohnpei, FSM Photo: FSM Public Information Office

The FSM government says the two men had set off on a short trip between islands in Papua New Guinea's New Ireland province in July, but were caught in a storm and cast adrift.

Jamie Tahana reports.

"Michael Bolong and Ambros Wavut say they survived on rainwater and fish for five months in harsh conditions that included storms and exposure to sunlight. They claim that a third person, Francis Dimansol, died from severe health conditions while they were adrift in the Pacific. It was not until November te 23rd, that the men were found by a FSM-flagged fishing vessel, The Yap Seagull, about 200 kilometres south of Kapingamarangi Island. The men arrived on Pohnpei on Saturday and were admitted to hospital for observation, although authorities claim the men are in good health. Work is now underway to repatriate the men."