Three castaways stuck on deserted island survive for five weeks on coconuts

Three castaways survived on a deserted island for nearly five weeks by eating coconuts.

They told rescuers they swam to the uninhabited island in the Bahamas after their ship capsized in rough water.

The two men and a woman, who were Cuban nationals, lasted for 33 days on Anguilla Cay by eating coconuts.

They also told US rescuers they had eaten the meat of conchs and rats, according to Local 10.

Lt Justin Dougherty said: “I don’t know how they did it. I am amazed that they were in such good shape.”

Members of the US Coast Guard eventually spotted the trio waving a flag on Monday during a routine patrol of the area.

They dropped off water, food and a radio, but the stranded group was not rescued until Tuesday due to a weather delay.

The US Coast Guard South East shared footage on Twitter of rescuers dropping off supplies from a helicopter.

The guards said they were “assisting three people who have reportedly been stranded on Anguilla Cay, Bahamas for 33 days”.

They added: “An Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry aircrew has dropped a radio, food and water.”

A helicopter crew took them to Lower Keys Medical Center, in Florida with no reported injuries.

But officials did say they showed signs of dehydration and fatigue, according to ABC News.

Mike Allert, the helicopter’s aircraft commander, said there was a lack of fresh water on the island, which lies between Key West in Florida and Cuba.

He added: “We were alerted to them by the flags that they actually had in addition to a large cross that they put out there for themselves.”

Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Brandon Murray said: “I cannot recall a time that we saved people who were stranded for over a month on an island.

“That is a new one for me.”

He speculated they may have been fishermen who got lost at sea, or migrants trying to reach the US.