Five people including two children are rescued in Kiribati after a ONE-HOUR boat trip left them adrift for three months

Wanis Weita, Wboy Weita, Akinis David, Paul Paul and Tedwin Paul were found severely dehydrated and malnourished by villagers on Fanning Island in Kiribati, roughly 5,400km from where they set sail. A US Coast Guard search covering 25,000 nautical miles had been abandoned on August 9, eleven days after the group vanished.

Nursing officer Paukin Tororo said survivors were put on IV drips and are showing recovery signs, smiling and asking for food.

Chuuk Governor Alexander Narruhn has asked the Federated States of Micronesia's president to open diplomatic talks with Kiribati to bring the five home.

Local MP Kaotitaake Rakoroa urged that the survivors be transferred to Kiritimati Island urgently, as Fanning Island has limited medical facilities and transport links.