MELBOURNE, Australia — Two children and three adults have been rescued in the South Pacific after spending months adrift at sea aboard a small boat.

According to US media reports, the five were discovered off the coast of Kiribati on Sunday after villagers spotted their skiff near Fanning Island.

The survivors were among nine people who set out on what was supposed to be a one-hour journey on July 30 but never returned. The remaining four passengers are still missing.

The group was found approximately 5,400 kilometres from Ruo Island in the Federated States of Micronesia, where they had been expected to return.

The US Coast Guard told the Associated Press (AP) that the group’s disappearance triggered a 10-day search covering approximately 85,700 square kilometres. However, the operation failed to locate the vessel or its passengers.

Reacting to news of the rescue, the Coast Guard described the discovery as “incredible and wonderful news”, expressing relief that the survivors were receiving medical attention.

“Our profound condolences to family and friends of those who did not arrive with them,” the agency added.

Meanwhile, an ABC News report said on Monday that the five survivors were being cared for by a pastor on the island.

Although suffering from severe dehydration and malnutrition, the survivors are reportedly showing signs of recovery, with some smiling and gesturing for food, the report said.