A Lithuanian rower, Aurimas Mockus, was rescued after being stranded at sea while attempting to row across the Pacific Ocean from the united states to Australia. On March 3, 2025, he sent a distress signal after facing a cyclone with winds up to 100 km/h, approximately 740 km east of Mackay, Australia, just days before reaching his destination.
- Adventurer rescued before reaching Australia
- Aurimas Mockus stranded by cyclone
- Spent nearly five months at sea
- Attempted solo Pacific Ocean crossing
- Regularly updated progress on Instagram
- Tropical Cyclone Alfred forecast to hit Australia
Aurimas Mockus began his journey in October 2024 from San Diego, California, aiming to row 12,000 km to Brisbane, Australia. He rowed an average of 12 hours daily and regularly updated his progress on social media. His last post, made a day before his distress signal, noted that he had successfully navigated the reefs of Chesterfield Islands, about 1,500 km east of Australia.
During his attempt, Mockus encountered Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which forced him to call for help. The cyclone is expected to impact Australia’s eastern states of Queensland and New South Wales in the coming days. After nearly five months alone at sea, he was rescued on Monday morning and is currently receiving medical treatment aboard an Australian warship.
Mockus aimed to join a small group of adventurers who have successfully crossed the Pacific Ocean alone and without stopping. Previous record holders include Peter Bird and John Beeden from Britain, and Australian Michelle Lee, who completed the journey in 2023. The challenges faced by solo rowers include extreme weather conditions, long periods of isolation, and the need for physical endurance.
