A Solomon Islands rescue which has captured international attention is now underway for more than 70 passengers and crew aboard the MV Awka, which has been adrift since Friday morning.
The vessel which was travelling between islands in the Temotu Province lost its main engine although a generator provided power.
But a Starlink on board meant some of the 73 passengers were able to post live feeds on social media about their plight.
Over the weekend French and Australian planes dropped life rafts and supplies into the sea.
Several passengers were able to swim out to them and bring them back although one large package couldn't be retrieved because of the large sharks swimming around it.
A Chinese cargo ship Sunnine 3 also dropped uncooked chicken and noodles to the group and a video was posted showing it being cooked up and children enthusiastically eating.
A nurse on board has been treating two people — a passenger and a crew member — who have been unwell.
Currently the MV Awka was under tow heading to Manieve Bay to take shelter and another vessel the HELPR-1, a health response and logistics support vessel based in Vanuatu.
There, it would have its specialists assess the sick patients.
SHARE ME