FIVE RESCUED OFF KIRIBATI AFTER DRIFTING AT SEA FOR THREE MONTHS

Five people, including two children, have been rescued in the Pacific after drifting at sea for almost three months. The group was among nine people who set off on 30 July on a one-hour crossing from Murilo to Ruo Island in Micronesia when they were caught in a storm. Their boat ran out of fuel and blew off course, according to Micronesian official Arthur Irons II, before running aground some 3,400 miles away near Fanning Island, also called Tabuaeran, in Kiribati. Villagers spotted the skiff and brought five survivors ashore, where they are now being cared for by a pastor.

The US Coast Guard searched for the boat but suspended the operation on 9 August, after covering some 85,700 square kilometres over ten days without success. Irons said the passengers had seen ships and planes in the distance and waved for help, but their boat was too far away to be seen. After almost 100 days at sea, the survivors were guided ashore on Fanning Island by the ringing of church bells; nursing officer Paukin Tororo said all five were severely dehydrated and malnourished and were on intravenous drips. The US Coast Guard said: "Incredible and wonderful news, these five folks were found and are receiving care."

Kiribati lawmaker Kaotitaake Rakoroa said the survivors were treated by medical staff and urged their transfer to Kiribati's main island. Accounts differ on the fate of the other four aboard: some say four died, including a child, while Narruhn said their fate was unknown. Narruhn appealed to Micronesia's president to arrange the survivors' return home. The five survivors have asked for their privacy and have not spoken publicly about their ordeal.