A rower on a 7,500-mile solo trip across the Pacific Ocean had to be rescued by an Australian warship Monday after getting caught in a terrifying tropical cyclone.
Aurimus Mockus, 44, who set off from California in October, was just days from reaching Brisbane when he had to abandon his mission while trapped by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
The Lithuanian adventurer finally fired an emergency beacon on Friday, with a rescue plane first making contact with him the following day, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said.
The rower said he was “fatigued” while stuck in the rough waters of the Coral Sea, 460 miles off the coast of Mackay, Queensland — conditions that also hampered rescue efforts, officials said.
A Royal Australian Navy ship, the HMAS Choules, was finally able to save him on Monday, three days after after he raised the alarm — with video showing him being hoisted aboard the warship.
“Because of highly unfavorable sea conditions, Mr. Mockus’s boat could not be recovered except for two oars and some personal items,” the authority said.
The warship will now take Mockus south beyond Brisbane to Sydney in New South Wales, the navy said. He was given a medical evaluation, with images showing him walking unaided and seemingly uninjured.
“Thank you to all involved for your invaluable assistance with this rescue,” the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said.
“This successful outcome highlights the importance of carrying an emergency beacon at all times, as this led to a prompt response to this emergency.”
Cyclone Alfredhas continued to track south and was 280 miles east of Brisbane on Monday, and is forecast to turn west and cross the Australian coast on Thursday or Friday.
with Post wires
