The second attempt by an endurance runner hoping to reach Bermuda from Miami ended early April 24 when he asked to be removed from his “hydro pod.” The runner ignored a previously issued Coast Guard Captain of the Port Order to not depart on his seagoing journey. The order outlined specific safety conditions which Mr. Baluchi failed to meet.
At approximately 2 a.m. Sunday, a Coast Guard Station Fort Lauderdale boatcrew discovered Mr. Reza Baluchi aboard his makeshift hydro pod approximately 7 miles off the coast of Jupiter en route to Bermuda. Coast Guard crews remained on-scene with Mr. Baluchi throughout the night to ensure his safety and to prevent other vessels from colliding with the hydro pod. The Coast Guard Cutter Gannet arrived on scene, and Mr. Baluchi voluntarily ended his own voyage.
Mr. Baluchi embarked the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet with his hydro pod in tow.
“This was an inherently unsafe voyage attempt that put the lives of Mr. Baluchi and other mariners in danger,” said Capt. Austin Gould, Coast Guard Sector Miami Commander. “This proposed adventure unnecessarily risked the lives of Mr. Baluchi, the maritime public, and our Coast Guard men and women. Additionally, the Coast Guard is obligated to ensure taxpayer money and resources are used efficiently and appropriately.”
