Rower plucked from path of tropical cyclone off Australia

SYDNEY - A Lithuanian rower was rescued from storm-tossed seas off Australia on March 3 after paddling into a tropical cyclone while trying to cross the Pacific Ocean alone.

An Australian navy vessel plucked long-distance rower Aurimas Mockus from the Coral Sea, where Tropical Cyclone Alfred was on March 3 whipping up 100kmh winds and 7m swells.

Mr Mockus first activated his emergency beacon on the evening of Feb 28, enduring three nights at sea as the looming cyclone hampered rescue efforts.

Vice-admiral Justin Jones said Mr Mockus – who has used the attempt to drum up support for Ukraine’s war effort – was safely on board and undergoing medical checks.

“The ship is on its way back to Australian shores,” said the Australian Maritime Safety Authority in a statement.

Aerial photos taken before the rescue showed his modified rowboat bobbing on white-capped waves in a turbulent, dark ocean.

Mr Mockus fell just short of his goal to row 12,000km across the Pacific Ocean from the United States to Australia.

He started the gruelling journey in September 2024, according to his website.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is forecast to bring damaging waves and strong winds as it moves towards Australia’s eastern coast later this week, the government weather bureau said. AFP

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