The three men from Micronesia had embarked on a 42-kilometer journey between the Pulawat and Pulap atolls when they were in distress after their boat ran out of fuel. The currents drove them to an isolated island in the Pacific Ocean - 200 kilometers off course.

A major rescue operation was launched in the area after the men were reported missing on Saturday. Forces from several countries, including the United States and Australia, took part in the search from the air and on Sunday the men were sighted by a helicopter - thanks to the distress call in the sand: "SOS".

Captain: "I'm proud"

The helicopter, sent from the Australian battleship HMAS Canberra, landed on the island and the crew checked that the men were well and gave them food and water.

"I am proud of the effort and professionalism shown by everyone on board, and that we were able to fulfill our obligation to contribute to the safety of seafarers wherever we are in the world," said Terry Morrisson, captain of HMAS Canberra, according to The Guardian.

Not the first time

The sailors are said to have been stranded on the desert island for three days, according to The Guardian. What they lived on in the meantime is not clear.

After being found by the helicopter, they were taken care of by a Micronesian patrol boat. They are stated to be fine according to the circumstances.

This is not the first time that people seek rescue through letters on beaches. In 2016, two men were rescued from an island in Micronesia after a US naval aircraft saw their SOS message.