A 44-year-old Florida man, Reza Baluchi, found himself in hot water after attempting to "run to London" across the treacherous waters of the Atlantic Ocean, IFLScience reports.
Baluchi's ambitious expedition, conducted aboard a floatation device resembling a hamster wheel, came to a dramatic halt approximately 70 miles off Tybee Island, Georgia when authorities arrested him.
Florida Man Running to London Arrested
The Florida native's bizarre journey began on August 26, when he set off from the shores of Florida en route to London, England, in a vessel he had ingeniously crafted.
However, Baluchi's audacious undertaking quickly ran aground when the vigilant U.S. Coast Guard intercepted him.
Baluchi's lack of registration for his watercraft raised immediate red flags, with Coast Guard officials expressing grave concerns over the safety of his voyage.
Upon inspection of his makeshift vessel, it was evident that Baluchi's buoyant journey was maintained by a combination of wiring and inflatable buoys, which, according to the Coast Guard's assessment, rendered the voyage "manifestly unsafe."
In a recent post on X, the Coast Guard made it clear that attempting to sail via unsafe means is not only dangerous but also comes with significant legal consequences.
A Bizarre Plan
Determined to press on with his ambitious plan, Baluchi allegedly resorted to threats, claiming he possessed a bomb on board and brandishing a 12-inch knife.
Fox News reports that for three days, the Coast Guard officers engaged in a delicate negotiation with the relentless adventurer before he finally agreed to disembark at the U.S. Coast Guard Base in Miami Beach, Florida.
Baluchi's go at running on water using his peculiar hamster wheel contraption is not the first time the Florida man has attempted a bizarre sea adventure. Records indicate similar incidents in 2014, 2016, and 2021, each concluding with Coast Guard intervention.
The charges levied against him include obstruction of boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
Additionally, a complaint says that Baluchi could not provide officials with the required registration for his vehicle.
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'I Never Give Up'
In an exclusive interview with FOX 35, Baluchi shed light on the motivations driving his audacious expeditions.
His goal, he claims, is to raise funds for various charitable causes, including aiding the homeless, supporting the U.S. Coast Guard, and contributing to police and fire departments.
His determination to persist despite multiple setbacks is evident in his unwavering statement: "I'll never give up my dream. They stop me four or five times, but I never give up."
Despite his unwavering determination, the charges filed against him are likely to keep him away from the seas for some time.
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