A man from Florida was recently arrested for his attempt to cross the Atlantic Ocean in a human-sized hamster ball. This isn’t the first time he has tried such a daring stunt. Reza Ray Baluchi, an Iranian athlete and activist living in the US, was arrested on September 1, 2023, after being spotted by the US Coast Guard 70 nautical miles off Tybee Island, Georgia.
Baluchi was seen inside a human-sized and powered hamster wheel, apparently on his way to London. However, this is not his first attempt to cross the ocean. Baluchi has previously tried to run across the Atlantic in his self-made ‘bubble’ multiple times before.
During his latest attempt, Baluchi and the police were engaged in a three-day standoff before he was arrested upon his return to shore on September 1. It was reported that Baluchi threatened to harm himself with a knife if authorities tried to arrest him. He also claimed to have a bomb onboard his ball, but it was later found to be false.
The 2021 Attempt
Prior to his recent failed expedition, Baluchi attempted to reach New York in his human-powered ball in 2021. He set off from St. Augustine, Florida, with hopes of completing the three-to-four-week journey to the US city. Unfortunately, his trip was cut short when Baluchi realized that his GPS and charging cables were missing from his homemade ball, called a ‘hydro pod’. As a result, he abandoned his expedition and returned to the shore in Flagler County, Florida.
Three Attempts in 2016
In April 2016, Baluchi embarked on a journey from Pompano Beach, Florida, despite being denied permission by the Coast Guard for a solo expedition in 2015. He faced the threat of imprisonment and a hefty fine but was determined to travel through Jacksonville, Bermuda, Haiti, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Key West. For this expedition, he used a new ‘hydro pod’ that cost $22,000 (£17,500) after his first creation was damaged beyond repair during his initial feat at sea. However, just two days into the anticipated five-month journey, the Coast Guard brought him back ashore off the coast of Jupiter, Florida. Despite this setback, Baluchi made a third attempt in the same year but was once again escorted back to the shore by the Coast Guard. Following his return, he was sent for evaluation at a psychiatric hospital.
The 2014 Attempt
Baluchi’s first attempt in his ‘hydro pod,’ a version he hand-made for $4,500 (£3,500), was in 2013. His plan was to travel from Pompano Beach to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and then back to Miami. However, the Coast Guard quickly intervened when they spotted him 70 miles offshore of St. Augustine. They deemed the expedition too risky for Baluchi, and a rescue mission, involving a rescue ship, helicopter, and airplane, was launched to bring him back to land. The cost of this rescue mission amounted to around $140,000 (£111,000).
As a result of his latest attempt, Baluchi now faces charges of obstruction of boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order.
If you’re wondering what motivates Baluchi to undertake these perilous journeys, on his website ‘Run with Reza,’ he states his dream is to run through all 194 recognized countries in the world to inspire and unite people. He plans to share the lives of people around the world through a live camera and create a film, promoting stories of human spirit and culture as seen through the eyes of children. In an exclusive interview with FOX 35, Baluchi also expressed his desire to raise money for homeless people, the Coast Guard, police departments, and fire departments, as they work to serve the public and ensure safety. He remains determined in pursuing his dream, stating that he will never give up despite being stopped several times before.
