A Lithuanian rower attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean got caught in a tropical cyclone and was stranded in open sea for three days. Following the rower’s distress signal, a warship belonging to the Royal Australian Navy carried out a breathtaking operation. As a result of the operation, the 44-year-old adventurer was rescued, but his boat, except for some personal belongings, could not be salvaged.

A warship belonging to the Royal Australian Navy rescued a Lithuanian adventurer who got caught in a tropical cyclone while attempting to row across the Pacific Ocean.
The rower, named Aurimas Mockus, was taken to HMAS Choules landing ship belonging to the Royal Australian Navy for medical evaluation. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority, which coordinated the operation, stated, “Due to the very unfavorable sea conditions, Mockus’ boat, two oars, and some personal belongings could not be salvaged.”
Starting a 12,000-kilometer journey in October, the rower got caught in a storm just before reaching the destination. The 44-year-old adventurer was stranded for three days in the Coral Sea, approximately 740 kilometers east of the Queensland state.
Rescue officials stated that Mockus activated the distress signal on Friday after rowing in stormy seas and winds of 80 km/h created by the tropical cyclone. Following this call, an aircraft with radio contact with Mockus was dispatched. Navy officials, in a statement after the operation, reported that Mockus was “exhausted.”
Mockus was attempting to be one of the few rowers to cross the Pacific Ocean alone and without stopping.