Papua New Guinean teenager rescued after 41 days adrift, found off Kiribati

Mixed · 2Luka Rahan, an 18-year-old from northern Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, was rescued by a group of Kiribati fishermen after 41 days lost at sea. 1 2 Left · 1He had set off on a fishing trip with his cousin, but the boat's motor failed and, with no anchor on board, it began to drift. 1 Mixed · 2The fishermen found him alone and severely dehydrated between the islands of Tarawa and Maiana, about 2,000 kilometres away, on Tuesday afternoon (27 October). 1 2

Mixed · 2The ABC understands his cousin died at sea the week before; the Times of India says the cousin reportedly died about a week before the rescue and that the circumstances of the death have not been fully detailed. 1 2 Mixed · 2Rahan was taken to hospital in Tarawa, Kiribati's capital, where he is recovering before being sent home; he was reported to be responsive and regaining strength. 1 2 Left · 1Jonathan Anthony Kunau, a Papua New Guinean engineer working in Tarawa, visited him, helped translate for authorities and health workers, and told Rahan's immediate family he was safe; the family were reported to be grateful. 1

Mixed · 2It is the second long-distance rescue involving Bougainvilleans in Kiribati in about a month: three people from Nissan Island returned home after about 70 days adrift, and told the ABC they survived on raw turtle meat and cocoa. 1 2 Mixed · 2Kunau urged fishermen to carry a compass, an anchor and a phone in case of emergency. 1 2