Read previewThree mariners stranded on an island in the Pacific Ocean were rescued earlier this month after they made a large "HELP" signal by laying out palm leaves on the beach — a scene right out of a movie.
Beyond fires, Bigney said it's ideal to create signals with contrast.
So in the case of the men stranded on Pikelot Atoll, palm leaves against bright white sand may've created enough contrast to be seen easily from afar.
The Coast Guard said the men had access to food and water while stranded with their damaged boat.
They thought to signal for help," she said, adding, "Oftentimes it is just a psychological game, in any situation."
Persons:
—, Chelsea Garcia, Oliver Henry, Bigney, It's
Organizations:
Service, Federated, Business, Coast Guard, Navy, Coast, Survival
Locations:
Polowat, Federated States, Micronesia, Pikelot, Papa New Guinea