In the vast Pacific Ocean, two sailors from Zadar, Mario Radulić and Marko Birkić, members of the crew of the tuna trawler “Marielle”, are being praised for their heroic actions in saving two fishermen who had been stranded at sea for up to 30 days. The two fishermen, Etuati Rabaere and his friend, were in a small boat that was too low to be detected by radar when they were spotted by the sailors.
The captain of the ship, Mario Radulić, recounted how they made a course correction to rescue the exhausted fishermen who had gone without proper food or water for 30 days. The sailors believe that it was the consistent rain that fell during the last 15 days of their ordeal that kept them alive. When they were brought on board the tuna boat, the crew had to give them water and food little by little as they nursed them back to health.
The 21-member crew of the “Marielle” includes one Mexican, seven Filipinos, 11 Micronesians, and two Croats who are being hailed for their efforts to save the two stranded fishermen. Their actions are being celebrated as a great achievement and a testament to human compassion in times of need.