Video: Australian Navy Saves Lithuanian Solo Rower Stranded For 3 Days In Coral Sea

A Lithuanian adventurer attempting a solo, non-stop row across the Pacific Ocean was rescued by the Royal Australian Navy after being caught in a tropical cyclone just days before reaching his goal.

Aurimas Mockus, aged 44, began his 7,500-mile (12,000-km) journey from San Diego, California, in October 2024, to row all the way to Queensland, Australia, without stopping.

As he neared the finish line, Cyclone Alfred brought severe weather conditions, leaving him stranded for three days in the Coral Sea.

The cyclone, with winds exceeding 50 mph (80 kph), forced Mockus to activate his emergency beacon on Friday, March 1. A search-and-rescue operation was initiated.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) coordinated the rescue efforts and dispatched two Challenger search-and-rescue aircraft on Friday.

The aircraft located Mockus and made radio contact with him on Saturday, March 2. After assessing the situation, AMSA alerted the Royal Australian Navy, which deployed HMAS Choules to his location.

The naval landing ship reached Mockus approximately 460 miles (740 km) east of Mackay, Queensland by Monday morning, March 3. Navy personnel faced stormy seas and strong winds while trying to bring him aboard.

Images from the rescue operation show the rough conditions, making it impossible to recover his vessel. However, they managed to retrieve two oars and some of his personal belongings before abandoning the boat.

Video Credits: AMSA/Facebook

Mockus was found fatigued but safe and is currently undergoing a medical assessment aboard HMAS Choules, which is transporting him to Sydney, New South Wales for further care.

Mockus was attempting to become one of the very few people to row solo across the Pacific Ocean without stopping.

Records show that British rower Peter Bird attempted the feat in 1983, reaching Australian waters but requiring a tow for the final 30 miles (48 km).

In 2015, British adventurer John Beeden completed the journey from San Francisco to Cairns, becoming the first to achieve the crossing non-stop.

In 2023, Australian rower Michelle Lee became the first woman to complete the solo crossing, rowing from Ensenada, Mexico, to Port Douglas, Queensland.

Another Australian, Tom Robinson, attempted a solo Pacific row in 2022, setting off from Peru. However, he made a stop in the Cook Islands before continuing.

His journey ended in 2023 when his boat capsized off Vanuatu. He clung to the hull for 14 hours before a passing cruise ship rescued him after diverting 200 km (124 miles) to reach him.

Cyclone Alfred, which forced Mockus to abandon his journey, remained a threat on Monday, March 3, moving southward, approximately 280 miles (450 km) east of Brisbane.

Meteorologists expect the storm to change course westward and make landfall in Australia by Thursday or Friday.

References: cbsnews, sky news

Source: Maritime Shipping News