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2mo ago

Lithuanian Rower Rescued After Cyclone Derails Pacific Crossing

Aurimas Mockus was attempting a solo journey from San Diego to Brisbane when Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced him to activate an emergency beacon.

A handout photo released and taken on March 2, 2025 by the Australian Department of Defence shows an image taken in the Coral Sea from a Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft as it flies above the vessel of Aurimas Mockus from Lithuania, after he activated his emergency beacon during his attempt to row across the Pacific Ocean
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Overview

  • Aurimas Mockus, a 44-year-old Lithuanian adventurer, was rescued 460 miles off the coast of Mackay, Queensland, after encountering Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
  • Mockus had been rowing solo across the Pacific since October 2024, aiming to complete a 7,500-mile journey from San Diego to Brisbane to raise awareness for Ukraine.
  • The Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated the rescue after receiving Mockus's distress signal on Friday, February 28, as he battled 80 km/h winds and rough seas.
  • The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Choules successfully rescued Mockus on Monday, March 3, though his boat could not be salvaged due to severe weather conditions.
  • Mockus, reportedly fatigued but uninjured, is undergoing a medical assessment onboard the navy ship, which is transporting him to Sydney.