Fierce storm ends Lithuanian rower’s dream of solo Pacific crossing

• The Royal Australian Navy rescued Lithuanian adventurer Aurimas Mockus after attempting a solo, nonstop row across the Pacific Ocean. His journey ended when Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced him to call for help, stranding him for three days.
• Mockus activated his emergency beacon on Friday, Feb. 28, after encountering powerful winds and high waves, leading to his rescue on Monday, March 3.
• The rower’s attempt aimed to raise awareness for Ukraine and make him one of the few to row across the Pacific solo and unassisted.

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The Royal Australian Navy rescued Lithuanian adventurer Aurimas Mockus on Monday, March 3. He had spent nearly five months alone at sea attempting a solo, nonstop row across the Pacific Ocean.

Mockus’ journey ended when Tropical Cyclone Alfred forced him to call for help, leaving him stranded for three days in rough waters east of Australia.

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How did the rescue unfold?

Mockus activated his emergency beacon on Friday, Feb. 28, after encountering the cyclone’s powerful winds and high waves. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority sent a reconnaissance aircraft, making radio contact with him on Saturday, March 1.

The Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Choules reached him Monday morning, pulling him aboard for a medical evaluation.

Authorities said sea conditions made salvaging his rowboat impossible, though they recovered two oars and some personal belongings. The navy transported Mockus to Sydney.

What was Mockus attempting to achieve?

Mockus set out from San Diego, California, in October 2024, aiming to become one of the few people to row across the Pacific Ocean alone and without stops. His route would have taken him to Brisbane, Australia, a journey of about 7,500 miles. He rowed an average of 12 hours a day, documenting his progress online.

The 44-year-old dedicated his journey to raising awareness for Ukraine, carrying the message, “Lithuania stands together,” and using a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds. He had expressed hope that the war in Ukraine would end by the time he completed his row.

How severe was the storm that stranded him?

Tropical Cyclone Alfred brought winds exceeding 60 mph, creating hazardous conditions in the Coral Sea.

When he signaled distress, Mockus was located about 460 miles east of Mackay, Australia. The cyclone is currently moving toward Australia’s east coast and is expected to make landfall later during the week of March 3.

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How does his attempt compare to past Pacific crossings?

Few rowers have successfully crossed the Pacific solo and without assistance.

British rower Peter Bird was the first to attempt the feat in 1983, reaching the Australian mainland with assistance.

In 2015, John Beeden completed a similar route, making him one of the few to finish unassisted.

Australian rower Michelle Lee became the first woman to complete the challenge in 2023.

Mockus’ attempt was on track to be another milestone in the history of ocean rowing before the storm forced his rescue. His journey, cut short just days before reaching his destination, underscores the extreme risks solo ocean rowers face.