Cyclone Alfred Approaches Australia: Extreme Rower Rescued

The Australian east coast is preparing for the impact of Cyclone Alfred, which is currently moving across the Coral Sea towards Queensland and northern New South Wales. Authorities are bracing for significant damage as the cyclone is expected to bring destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and massive waves starting Wednesday.

Residents are taking urgent measures to protect their homes, with many stores reporting depleted supplies as locals stock up on essentials. Two cruise ships have been forced to alter their routes due to the approaching storm.

Meteorologists predict that Alfred will make landfall on Thursday, marking the first cyclone to hit this densely populated region in 50 years. Areas between Brisbane and the popular surfing destination of Byron Bay are likely to be particularly affected.

In a related incident, a Lithuanian extreme rower, Aurimas Mockus, found himself in peril as he neared the Australian coast after five months at sea. Having set off from California in October for a Pacific crossing, he encountered difficulties just days before reaching his destination. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed that he was rescued by a vessel from the Australian Navy.

Mockus sent out a distress signal as the cyclone approached, prompting a rescue operation that involved aircraft and the naval ship HMAS Choules. Initially, there were challenges in locating him, but rescuers managed to make contact with the exhausted rower.

His journey aimed to cover a distance of 12,000 kilometers, but it was cut short approximately 700 kilometers from the Australian coastline. Following his rescue, he was reported to be safe aboard the HMAS Choules, where he would undergo medical evaluations.

Peter Bird, a British adventurer, was the first individual to successfully row solo and nonstop across the Pacific in 1982-1983, completing the journey in 294 days. Like Mockus, Bird found himself in distress near Australia's Great Barrier Reef, but his venture was deemed successful due to its proximity to the mainland.