A US peace activist’s attempt to travel more than 1,000 miles from Florida to Bermuda in a homemade inflatable bubble has ended with an ocean rescue by coast guards.
Reza Baluchi said he had planned the Atlantic “zorbing” trip to raise money “for children in need” and “to … inspire those that have lost hope for a better future”.
After refusing earlier requests to abandon his voyage, Baluchi activated a locating beacon on Saturday, before being rescued 70 miles (112 km) off the coast of Florida by the US Coast Guard.
He was hoisted aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk and flown to Florida for a medical examination.
The Coast Guard said it first received a report about the unusual HydroPod Bubble voyage on Wednesday.
Crew members from Coast Guard Cutter Webber tried to convince Baluchi to abandon his 3,500-mile (5,633-km) trip after noticing the bubble was only stocked with water and protein bars – but he refused to cooperate
In a phone call to Baluchi on Thursday, Captain Todd M Coggeshall said he had “great concern” for Baluchi’s safety, but the endurance runner stressed that he had prepared for the journey for two years and wanted to continue.
Agencies/Canadajournal
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