Reza Baluchi, an Iranian adventurer who lives in Florida was arrested off Tybee Island, Georgia, by the U.S. Coast Guard after a three-day standoff. Baluchi wanted to make the 5,000-nautical mile to London, England, on a human-powered hamster wheel, which he’d designed. The wheel uses a metal drum with paddle wheels to keep the vessel buoyant.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Valiant located Baluchi 70 miles at sea where he threatened to take his own life with a 12-inch knife if anyone attempted to arrest him. He also claimed to have an explosive onboard. After two days he admitted there was no explosive and hopped aboard the Coast Guard boat.
Baluchi has been charged with obstruction of a boarding and violation of a Captain of the Port order, both of which are federal charges. For Baluchi, this was his fourth attempt to cross the Atlantic by hamster wheel. According to Baluchi, he attempts the crossings to raise money for charity.
Officials have implored Baluchi to stop attempting such crossings, as they are a danger to him and other sailors.
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