U.S. Coast Guard bursts runner’s inflatable bubble and rescues him at sea
The U.S. Coast Guard put an end to Reza Baluchi's Florida to Bermuda journey in an inflatable bubble because it was "manifestly unsafe."
#BreakingNews: Adventure runner's voyage ends after he violated a USCG order not to embark on his seagoing journey. pic.twitter.com/FxNUEawySO
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016
The U.S. Coast Guard stopped a man who was attempting to “run” from Florida to Bermuda in an inflatable bubble because it was deemed to be “manifestly unsafe.” The rescue occurred on Sunday, April 24.
Reza Baluchi voluntary stopped his Florida to Bermuda journey after the U.S. Coast Guard ordered him not to embark on the trip. Baluchi, who was running inside the “hydropod,” looked to “raise money for children in need and to inspire those that have lost hope for a better future,” according to his website.
Baluchi launched the hydropod from Pompano Beach, north of Fort Lauderdale in Florida. As Baluchi ran, the bubble would spin, similar to that of a hamster wheel. CNN reports that Baluchi intended to launch the inflatable bubble on Friday but it’s unclear when exactly he departed.
Baluchi attempted an identical journey in 2014 and too was stopped by the Coast Guard. The stunt two years ago was reported to have cost taxpayers US$144,000 because of the rescue mission.
The U.S. Coast Guard were not happy on Twitter as the organization tweeted the following message:
#BreakingNews: HydroPod voyage from Miami to Bermuda had recently been determined to be manifestly unsafe.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016
On April 15, the U.S. Coast Guard had sent the runner a letter informing him that his transportation method was deemed to be unsafe. According to CNN, Baluchi was going to survive by catching fish, eating protein bars, and by sleeping on a hammock inside the pod.
#BreakingNews Coast Guard towing endurance runner's HydroPod back to shore. Runner voluntarily ended sea voyage. pic.twitter.com/DzrES5dipt
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016
#BreakingNews Baluchi's 2014 attempt placed enormous financial burden on taxpayers for his rescue. He was recently ordered not to depart.
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016
His plan was to travel to Bermuda from Florida, followed by trips to Puerto Rico, Cuba and Haiti.
Below is a photo of the hydropod in action:
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