Eight Shipwreck Survivors Rescued From Deserted Honduran Island
A total of eight people were rescued from a deserted island off the coast of the Honduras after they had been marooned there for four days. Among the survivors were two Americans, both of whom were just teenagers.
"It was a boat wreck. They were stranded on an island," said Jackie Capehart, mother to the youngest shipwreck victim Amber Burkett. "They were signaling for help, so they were able to move."
The island was Saint Elena near another island, called Roatan. The group of eight had been missing since Saturday, Jun. 28. Eventually, they were able to get the attention of a passing plane by waving frantically for help. Soon after, their prayers were answered.
"The eight young boaters were safely rescued today due to the vigilant search efforts by the Coast Guard and our partner agencies assisting in the search. Ultimately these efforts saved the lives of these eight boaters," Rear Admiral Jake Korn, commander of the Seventh Coast Guard District, said.
The group had precious little water to sustain them during those four days on the island, and had just finished the rest of their water mere hours before being rescued. They had originally intended on making an 18-mile boat trip, but never were able to reach their destination. There were also five Honduran nationals on the boat.
"We still don't know what the health condition of the people is. We know that they are dehydrated because they have had no water in four days," emergency services official Andy Lopez said.
Despite the authorities' hesitance to comment on the health condition, it is believed that everyone involved is alright. All of the victims are dehydrated, but expected to make a full recovery now that they have received medical attention.
Subscribe to Latin Post!
Sign up for our free newsletter for the Latest coverage!