3 people were rescued by the authorities from a deserted Bahaman Island.
According to reports, the 3 people survived 33 days living off coconuts.
2 men and 1 woman from Cuba swam to the island for refuge after their boat capsized in rough waters around 5 weeks ago.
Luckily, the 3 were spotted waving a makeshift flag by a US Coast Guard aircraft during a routine patrol.
The crew dropped the survivors some food, water, and a radio to communicate with them while they waited for a rescue helicopter.
The USCG released a statement about the incident.
Mike Allert, a USCG pilot, told local TV station WPLG:
We were alerted to them by the flags that they actually had in addition to a large cross that they put out there for themselves. Being out in those harsh elements for a long period of time, they were very happy to see us.
The 3 were spotted on February 8, 2021, but they were rescued a couple of days after that because of harsh weathers.
USCG Lieutenant Justin Dougherty told CNN that he was shocked that the 3 managed to survive for so long.
The 3 were reportedly in good health when they were rescued.
Lt. Dougherty added:
It was incredible. I don’t know how they did it. I was amazed they were in as good as shape as they were.
The team picked up the 3 and rushed them to a nearby hospital.
They did not have injuries, but the 3 were fatigued and dehydrated, considering there was no fresh water on the island.
Sean Connett, the command duty officer at the Coast Guard Seventh District, released a statement about the incident, saying:
Thanks to our aircrews diligently conducting routine patrols, we were able to spot people in distress and intervene. This was a very complex operation involving asset and crews from different units, but thanks to good communication and coordination between command centres and pilots, we were able to safely get everyone to a medical facility before the situation could worsen.
Let’s all hope the three recover from their injuries fast.
