Man Attempting 8,000-Mile Paddle Across Pacific Caught in Cyclone
Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus, 44, was rescued by the Royal Australian Navy on Monday after encountering Tropical Cyclone Alfred during his solo attempt to row from San Diego, California, to Brisbane, Australia—a journey of approximately 7,500 miles.
Mockus began his voyage in October 2024 and had been at sea for over four months. He was just days away from completing his journey when he faced severe weather conditions, including 80 kph (50 mph) winds and rough seas, approximately 460 miles east of Mackay, Queensland. On Friday, February 28, he activated his emergency beacon, prompting a coordinated rescue effort by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the Royal Australian Navy.
Rescue aircraft established communication with Mockus on Saturday, March 1, and reported that he was fatigued but uninjured. Due to the unfavorable sea conditions, only two oars and some personal items could be recovered from his vessel. Mockus was taken aboard the HMAS Choules, where he underwent a medical assessment and was reported to be in stable condition.
This incident underscores the importance of carrying an emergency beacon, which facilitated the prompt response and successful rescue operation.
For a visual account of the rescue, you can watch the following video:
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