Rower Rescued After Getting Caught in Cyclone While Trying to Travel from U.S. to Australia

Mar. 15, 2025

A rower has been rescued just days before he was expected to finish paddling to Australia from the United States.

Aurimas Mockus was attempting to travel from San Diego to Brisbane when he became stranded 460 miles east of the city of Mackay in Queensland, according tothe Associated Press.

The 44-year-old was reportedly just days away from completing his journey, which he began in October 2024. His goal was to become one of the few adventurers to cross the Pacific Ocean solo.

The AMSA “received an emergency beacon alert” from a rower in distress on the night of Friday, Feb. 28, according to the authority’s statement.

Mockus reported feeling “fatigued” upon making contact with the AMSA on Saturday, March 1, the AP reported.

Crews reached Mockus on Monday with assistance from Defence Australia and Royal Australian Navy HMAS Choules L100, AMSA said.

“Because of highly unfavorable sea conditions, Mr. Mockus’s boat could not be recovered except for two oars and some personal items,” the AMSA said, per the AP.

Australian Navy sailors from HMAS Choules use an inflatable boat to rescue Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus, Monday, March 3, 2025, who struck a storm in the Coral Sea off the northeast coast of Australia while attempting to cross the Pacific Ocean from California.CPOIS Helen Frank/Australian Defense Force via AP

CPOIS Helen Frank/Australian Defense Force via AP

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The Royal Australian Navy said Mockus was undergoing a medical assessment on the Navy ship, according to the AP andBBC News.

In their statement, the AMSA thanked everyone involved for their “invaluable assistance with this rescue.”

“This successful outcome highlights the importance of carrying an emergency beacon at all times, as this led to a prompt response to this emergency,” the authority added.

source: people.com