A CNN article said the flight crew didn't see the light directly, but while using their night vision goggles. I am assuming that the light from a cell phone would do the same?

It is truly amazing how a small forethought can make the difference between living and dying.

"Coast Guard Lt. Justo Rivera, who was flying the aircraft that rescued the men, told CNN affiliate KHOU that a flashlight helped save them. While conducting search patterns, Coast Guard members spotted the light through their night vision goggles, Rivera said. It was being held by one of the men.

He said that because the Coast Guard was searching such a vast area, the flashlight was "instrumental" in the rescue.

'It's your proverbial needle in a haystack,' Rivera told KHOU."

[http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/06/09/sailors.rescued/?iref=mpstoryview]