Note to self: when stranded on a desert island, writing “HELP” in the sand really does work.

When three Americans went missing in the Pacific Ocean, the Coast Guard enlisted a Navy P-8 squadron to help cover the search area. Sure enough, the eagle-eyed pilot spotted something unusual on the beach of a desert island–the word “HELP” scrawled in the sand using large palm leaves.

The American men were stranded on the Pacific island of Fanadik after their 19-foot skiff capsized. They swam to shore, where they were stuck on the island for three days with no way to contact friends, family or U.S. authorities. In a stroke of ingenuity–or, perhaps, desperation–the castaways sent a message to rescue teams the only way they could.

The Navy P-8 crew signaled Coast Guard rescuers of the island’s positions. Two hours later, the castaways were in safe hands and on their way to the hospital.