Five rescued off Kiribati after three months drifting at sea, four still unaccounted for

Five people have been rescued off the coast of the Pacific island nation of Kiribati after drifting at sea for three months. According to a report by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), villagers off Fanning Island spotted them last weekend. The group includes two children.

They had set off on July 30 aboard a 20-foot skiff with four others — nine people in total — intending to cross between Murilo and Ruo islands in Micronesia, but were caught in a storm. They are estimated to have drifted around 5,400 kilometres east of Micronesia.

Following their disappearance, the US Coast Guard (USCG) launched a 10-day search operation covering over 85,000 square kilometres, but found no sign of the vessel at the time.

Reacting to the rescue, the US Coast Guard told The AP that it was incredible and wonderful news that the five had been found and were receiving care. It also offered its profound condolences to the family and friends of those who did not arrive with them.

Local lawmaker Kaotitaake Rakoroa said the five had received medical treatment and were being cared for by a pastor on Fanning Island, according to ABC.

In a statement shared on Sunday, Alexander Narruhn, governor of Micronesia's Chuuk state, said he was in talks with the Kiribati government to bring the survivors home. "There were nine people aboard the boat that went missing. Thanks be to God for his love and mercy that five of the nine have been found," he said.

The report did not say what happened to the other four people who were aboard the boat.