Lithuanian Rower Rescued After Cyclone Derails Pacific Crossing Attempt

Aurimas Mockus was saved by the Australian Navy after enduring three days in dangerous seas caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Aurimas Mockus, a 44-year-old Lithuanian adventurer, was attempting a 12,000-kilometer solo rowing journey from San Diego to Brisbane.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with winds reaching up to 130km/h, forced Mockus to activate his emergency beacon on Friday night while 740 kilometers off the Queensland coast.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority coordinated the rescue, deploying aircraft and the Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Choules, which successfully rescued Mockus on Monday morning.
Mockus, who had been at sea for 136 days, was fatigued but reported no serious injuries and is undergoing a medical assessment aboard the navy vessel.
The rower was just days away from completing his journey, which aimed to join a small group of successful solo Pacific crossings and raise funds for Ukraine's war effort.