Lithuanian man Aurimas Mockus reunited with wife after rescue by Royal Australian Navy

Aurimas Mockus wept and fell to his knees as he embraced his wife days after being rescued by the Navy after aborting his world record rowing attempt in the face of Cyclone Alfred.

Chief Petty Officer Medic Peter Gough leads solo rowboat adventurer Aurimas Mockus to the ship's hospital on-board HMAS Choules. Picture: Royal Australian Navy

There were tears of joy as Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus was brought to his knees as he embraced his wife days after being rescued from horror seas whipped up Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Battered and bruised, the daring Lithuanian had lost contact with wife Sonata Mockuviene for “three or four days”.

Then came the alert she had hoped for: “Your husband is alive”.

The pair had spent almost six months apart as Mr Mockus attempted a world record row — 12,000km across the Pacific Ocean from San Diego to Brisbane.

He called for help last Friday after battling 100km/h winds and heavy seas with waves five to seven metres high as Cyclone Alfred developed in seas off north Queensland.

Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus is reunited with his wife. Picture: Jeremy Piper

Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules Commander Arron Convery looking with crew members for Lithuanian long-distance rower Aurimas Mockus in the Coral Sea. Picture: Royal Australian Navy

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority received an emergency beacon alert from Mr Mockus’s vessel 740km east of Mackay, and about 90km west of Alfred.

Royal Australian Navy landing ship HMAS Choules confirmed it had rescued Mr Mockus and was bringing him to shore.

Royal Australian Navy ship HMAS Choules rescues long-distance rower Aurimas Mockus. Picture: Royal Australian Navy

After his emotional embrace with his wife and Lithuanian Ambassador Darius Degutis on Friday morning, Mr Mockus spoke to media about his time “in the hell”.

“Now I know in the hell it (must not always) be very hot, but it’s actually (wet) and very strong wind,” he said.

HMAS Choules Commander Arron Convery had earlier told reporters his crew was “filled with elation” in rescuing Mr Mockus.

Lithuanian rower Aurimas Mockus leaves the ship. Picture: Jeremy Piper

“(We’re) relieved to be tied up to firm land,” he said.

“(After) conditions that ships normally wouldn’t sail into too often.”

Commander Convery said the ship experienced “28 metre roller” waves out at sea during the rescue and it was “a miracle in itself” that nobody was injured.

Lithuanian man Aurimas Mockus with wife Sonata Mockuviene and kids Vejune and Jonas before setting off from San Diego.

Mr Degutis couldn’t thank the Royal Australian Navy enough before declaring the situation had strengthened ties between the two nations.

It came after he read out a letter from the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Minister Kestutis Budrys which expressed the country’s “deepest appreciation”.

Mr Degutis acted as translator as Mr Mockus thanked Australia and sent a message about standing for Ukraine.

“His message is that don’t think that the world is based on Putin and Trump,” Mr Degutis said.

“Think that the world is based on the good people … like everybody (here).”

While unable to speak English fluently, Mr Mockus said if it wasn’t for his mental strength and “fight for my life” he wouldn’t have been on Australian soil.

“Thank you for (my wife) that she believed in me,” he said.

The Lithuanian ambassador told media Mr Mockus volunteered in the Lithuanian military and along with his national flag, he managed to rescue his military beret and letters from Ukrainian kids to Australia.

Mr Mockus has called on anyone who may find his vessel to reach out to him as it’s “symbolic value” was dear to him and his country.

Originally published as Lithuanian man Aurimas Mockus reunited with wife after rescue by Royal Australian Navy