Lithuanian Rower Rescued After Cyclone Disrupts Pacific Crossing

Aurimas Mockus was saved by the Australian Navy after severe weather forced him to abandon his solo 12,000-kilometer journey to Brisbane.

Aurimas Mockus, a Lithuanian adventurer, was attempting to row solo across the Pacific from San Diego to Brisbane, covering 12,000 kilometers.
The journey was cut short approximately 700 kilometers from the Australian coast when Cyclone Alfred brought dangerous conditions, including winds of up to 130 km/h and seven-meter-high waves.
Mockus sent a distress signal late last week, prompting a search and rescue operation by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority involving aircraft and the Navy vessel HMAS Choules.
After initial difficulties locating him, contact was made, and Mockus was safely brought aboard the HMAS Choules, where he is now undergoing medical evaluation.
Cyclone Alfred, a Category 2 storm, continues to impact the Coral Sea region with severe weather, highlighting the risks of such extreme expeditions.