PNG man Luka Rahan rescued in Kiribati after 41 days adrift at sea

Luka Rahan, an 18-year-old Papua New Guinean man, was rescued by Kiribati fishermen on Tuesday afternoon after spending 41 days adrift at sea. Rahan was found severely dehydrated between the islands of Tarawa and Maiana, approximately 2,000 kilometres from his home in northern Bougainville.

Rahan and his cousin departed Bougainville last month for a fishing trip, but their journey turned catastrophic when the boat’s motor failed. Without an anchor to stabilize their position, the vessel was swept into open currents, drifting thousands of miles across the ocean.

A Fatal Drift Across the Pacific

The survival of the 18-year-old came at a devastating cost. According to the ABC, Rahan’s cousin died at sea the week before the rescue. Rahan was left alone on the vessel, battling severe dehydration and isolation until he was spotted by local fishermen in Kiribati.

Luka Rahan, Jonathan Kunau — Photo: abc.net.au

Upon his discovery, Rahan was immediately transported to the capital of Kiribati, Tarawa. He is currently recovering in a hospital where medical staff are treating his dehydration and helping him regain his strength. His condition is described as responsive, though he remains under medical care before he can be repatriated to Papua New Guinea.

Community Support in Tarawa

The rescue led to a visit from fellow Papua New Guinean Jonathan Anthony Kunau, who provided moral support and translation assistance. Jonathan Anthony Kunau, a Papua New Guinean engineer working in Tarawa, rushed to the hospital to provide support to the teenager. Kunau served as a critical bridge between the patient and the local authorities, translating for healthcare workers and government officials.

Teen Fisherman Found Adrift For Forty One Days Following Boat Engine Failure

“That is why I have to go down and check and make sure that he’s well,” Kunau told the ABC. “He’s from my country. I need to be there for him, make him to feel at home, at ease. It’s just moral support. He needs to get well soon.”

Kunau also acted as the primary point of contact for the family in Bougainville, informing them that Rahan had been found safe. The family expressed gratitude upon learning of his rescue and current hospitalization.

A Pattern of Long-Distance Drift

This incident is not an isolated event. It is the second instance in about a month where Bougainvilleans have been rescued in Kiribati after drifting vast distances. In a separate case, three individuals from Nissan Island were rescued after approximately 70 days adrift. According to the ABC, those survivors managed to stay alive by consuming cocoa and raw turtle meat.

Jonathan Anthony Kunau, drawing on his professional background as an engineer, has urged fishermen to prioritize three essential items on every voyage: a compass, an anchor, and a phone for emergencies.

Worth a look