My submission for the 199 words story contest #22 Hosted by @Stach
"SOS, 18.98°S, 32.177°E"
Ebuka's heart pounded as he read the message on the parchment he'd just pulled out of a wine bottle he saw floating close to the shore.
He ran as fast as he could to the Lifeguard Post. The first lifeguard took a look at the message and waved him off.
"We get hundreds of these a month, many people like to play sick jokes". The next few he approached gave similar response. The sixth lifeguard seemed touched by his persistence and took him to meet the Superintendent.
"We have many messages like this every week boy, 99 percent are pranks."
"But Sir..."
"But, the local diving team is taking a practice session close to that location, I'll send a unit with them to make sure" the Superintendent ended patting Ebuka on the head.
"Go home and rest now son".
Four hours later, the news announced that a ship carrying 642 people was rescued. Their turbines had blown and communications fried.
As Ebuka and his family watched the television, they heard a knock on the door.
Ebuka's father opened the door and was instantly blinded by flashes from the media.
"Mr Nnamdi, may we speak to your son?"