Micronesia is made up of hundreds of small islands in the south pacific. Google Maps Google Maps

TWO MEN WERE rescued from a remote island in the Pacific Ocean after they used palm leaves to write ‘SOS’ in the sand.

The men, who are both in their fifties, were rescued following a combined effort by the US Navy and Coast Guard services after being stranded for about eight days.

The rescue took place on East Fayu island in Micronesia in the western Pacific, about 4,000km from Hawaii.

The Federated States of Micronesia is made up of 607 islands in the region.

The 18 foot boat which had carried the men can bee seen in pictures from the US Navy. US Embassy Kolonia US Embassy Kolonia

The men are understood to have taken off in their 18 foot boat to make the journey from Weno Island on Tamatam Island and were expected to arrive the next day, 18 August.

When they didn’t arrive a search was conducted but no sign of the men was spotted until a week later on an uninhabited island.

The uninhabited island is one of thousands in the region. US Embassy Kolonia US Embassy Kolonia

The discovery was made by the US Navy who notified the US Coast Guard based out of Guam.

The men were eventually rescued with and were transferred safely to the Nomwin atoll.

Read: Women rescued from cold and foggy Kerry mountain have their phone to thank >

Read: Detectives hunting the mysterious disappearance of Amelia Earhart have travelled to a remote Pacific island >