Man who tried to cross the ocean in human hamster wheel banned from sea
A man who tried to cross the Atlantic Ocean on a hamster wheel-like vessel has reportedly been banned from going to the ocean.
According to Mirror UK, Reza Baluchi, a 44-year-old adventurer from Florida, was arrested by the coast guard as he attempted to run across the Atlantic Ocean in a makeshift hamster wheel. He was rescued about 70 miles off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia on August 26.
Coast guard officials filed a criminal complaint against Baluchi, stating that his vessel was manifestly unsafe. The hamster wheel was made from twisted wire and buoys, resembling a giant metal drum with inflatable buoys on each side and paddles powered by a runner inside.
When coast guard officers approached Baluchi to end his voyage, he reportedly threatened to kill himself with a 12-inch knife and claimed to have a bomb aboard the vessel. However, he later admitted that he did not have a real bomb.
Baluchi claimed that his mission was to raise money for various charitable causes, including homeless people, police and fire departments.
He mentioned that his goal was to support those in public service who work for safety and help others. Baluchi now faces charges, including obstruction of boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order.
As per his bond, he is now barred from travel outside the Southern District of Florida, and “may not go to the ocean or board a vessel on the ocean.
