During a search-and-rescue operation for a solo adventurer off the Queensland coast, an unlikely coincidence was discovered involving Private Alp Hyde on board HMAS Choules.
When Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached on March 1, a Lithuanian solo adventurer, Aurimas Mockus, required immediate assistance because of the extreme sea conditions caused by the dramatic change in weather.
Choules responded to a request from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, sailing 740km east of Mackay to search for Mr Mockus, who was spotted and recovered after 36 arduous hours.
Once safely on board, it was discovered Mr Mockus knew little English and would require a translator to bridge the language gap while on the five-day return transit to Sydney.
Private Hyde, a cargo specialist as part of the ship's Army establishment, was on watch when he heard the radio communications about the rescue.
Of Ukrainian descent, he realised what language Mr Mockus was speaking.
"I remember thinking, 'I know what they're saying over the radios' as they coordinated the rescue of Mr Mockus," Private Hyde said.
"Lithuanian is very similar to Ukrainian and Russian - I speak both at home with my family."
'He said to me, 'if it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't have been able to celebrate my next birthday'.'
Private Hyde mentioned his language skills to the officer in charge.
"Soon after that, I was talking with Mr Mockus about his needs for food, water and medical care - as well as the safety aspects of being on board a military vessel," Private Hyde said.
"He ate with us at the mess. He loved the food on the ship - he was especially grateful to have something other than the rations on his row boat."
Once the adventurer was safe and had a meal, he continued thanking the crew.
"He said to me, 'if it wasn't for you guys, I wouldn't have been able to celebrate my next birthday'," Private Hyde said.
"Translating his gratitude to the ship's crew was the best part."
After five days at sea post rescue, Mr Mockus arrived safely at Fleet Base East in Sydney, to be reunited with his wife and was met by representatives of the Lithuanian Embassy.
Private Hyde said he was surprised speaking another language could be so useful.
"It was an amazing coincidence and it felt good to help Mr Mockus and the crew," Private Hyde said.
"It's so important in Defence to learn languages; you never know what situation you may be placed in where you are able to assist."
Defence requires qualified linguists, and supports members seeking to enhance their language skills for Defence tasks.
