Rower rescued days before completing trans-Pacific feat

Aurimas Mockus, a Lithuanian rower, was on an incredible adventure trying to row across the vast Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia. He had been at sea for nearly five months and was just days away from reaching his destination when disaster struck. On a Friday evening, he found himself in a dangerous situation as a powerful cyclone approached, bringing with it fierce winds and towering waves that reached up to 100 kilometers per hour. This was a critical moment for Aurimas, and he knew he needed to call for help. The following day, authorities were able to establish radio contact with him while he was approximately 740 kilometers east of Mackay, a city located on the eastern coast of Australia. By the time he was rescued on Monday morning, Aurimas had endured a long and challenging journey, spending nearly five months alone on the open sea. The Australian navy came to his aid, and he was taken aboard the HMAS Choules, an Australian warship, where he received medical treatment. Aurimas's goal was to become one of the few individuals to successfully row across the Pacific Ocean solo and without any stops. This is a remarkable feat that only a handful of adventurers have accomplished. Among those who have completed this journey are Peter Bird and John Beeden from Britain, who achieved this incredible milestone in 1983 and 2015, respectively, as well as Australian Michelle Lee, who completed her journey in 2023. Aurimas began his ambitious 12,000-kilometer journey in October, departing from San Diego in southern California. His intended destination was Brisbane, Australia. During his time at sea, he rowed for an average of 12 hours each day, which is an impressive commitment to his goal. He kept his followers updated on his progress through social media, particularly Instagram. In his latest post, published just a day before he called for help, Aurimas shared that he had successfully crossed the Chesterfield Islands, a group of French coral islands located about 1,500 kilometers east of Australia. He expressed his excitement about this achievement, stating, 'The highlight is that I successfully sailed the reefs of Chesterfield Islands. And further as God allows. The most important thing is to hold back the next few days. ' Unfortunately, the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred disrupted Aurimas's plans and posed a significant threat to his safety. The cyclone was forecasted to impact the eastern states of Australia, including Queensland and New South Wales, in the coming days. Aurimas's attempt to row across the Pacific Ocean was a testament to his determination and adventurous spirit. However, it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the ocean and the challenges that adventurers can face. Despite his setback, Aurimas's story is one of resilience and bravery, showcasing the human spirit's ability to overcome obstacles, even in the face of adversity.