Lithuanian Rower Rescued After Harrowing Cyclone Ordeal in Pacific

Aurimas Mockus, attempting a solo San Diego-to-Brisbane row, was saved by the Australian Navy after days battling Cyclone Alfred's violent seas.

Aurimas Mockus, a Lithuanian rower, was caught in Cyclone Alfred's treacherous conditions 740 kilometers off Queensland's coast during his 12,000-kilometer solo journey across the Pacific Ocean.
Mockus endured four days of life-threatening conditions, with his small boat repeatedly capsizing in waves up to 16 meters high and navigation systems failing.
The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Choules rescued Mockus after a coordinated search effort involving aircraft and emergency beacons, despite challenging weather conditions.
Mockus reunited with his wife in Sydney after nearly six months apart, expressing gratitude to rescuers and relief at surviving what he described as 'hell on earth.'
The rower, who undertook the journey partly to honor Ukrainians impacted by the Russian invasion, hopes to recover his damaged boat and has no immediate plans to attempt another crossing.