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Lithuanian Rower Rescued from Cyclone During Pacific Solo Crossing

Aurimas Mockus was saved by the Australian Navy after activating his emergency beacon in treacherous conditions caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

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
A Lithuanian ocean rower caught in damaging winds and huge waves triggered by a tropical cyclone has been rescued.
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Overview

  • Aurimas Mockus, attempting to row solo across the Pacific Ocean, was rescued by the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Choules in the Coral Sea.
  • Mockus activated his emergency beacon on Friday night as Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought 100 km/h winds and seven-meter waves to the area.
  • Despite enduring three nights in stormy seas, Mockus was found uninjured but exhausted, according to rescue authorities and his shore team.
  • The Lithuanian rower began his 12,000-kilometer journey from San Diego to Brisbane in September 2024, aiming to raise awareness for Ukraine's war effort.
  • Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to continue affecting Australia's eastern coast with strong winds and damaging waves in the coming days.