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Peace activist rescued after attempting to cross Caribbean in "hamster wheel"

When the Coast Gurard first arrived Reza Baluchi asked them how to get to Bermuda

reza Run with Reza Run with Reza

A LONGTIME ENDURANCE runner and peace activist attempting to make it to Bermuda from the US in a homemade floating “Hydro Pod” has been rescued suffering from fatigue.

A US Coast Guard air crew picked up Reza Baluchi and took him to a nearby station uninjured.

A statement on Baluchi’s website said the Iranian exile had planned to make the 1,033-mile trip in his self-designed bubble to raise money “for children in need” and “to … inspire those that have lost hope for a better future.”

Baluchi has made headlines many times before with previous efforts to break long-distance running and cycling records , including one six-month journey in which he ran around the perimeter of the US, and a seven-year bike trip that he said brought him across 55 countries on six continents.

His self-professed mission is to promote world peace and unity.

Floating Man Rescued The US Coast Guard arrive on scene off the coast of Miami. PA Images PA Images

Baluchi was granted asylum in the United States in 2003 after being arrested in Iran for so-called pro-Western and anti-Islamic activities. He had served Baluchi served 11.5 years.

The “Hydro Pod” is a large bubble made of 3-mm- thick plastic accrding to his website

A man who appears on a video during the bubble’s construction compares it to a hamster wheel:

Keith Holland / YouTube

 

According to the site, Baluchi planned to run in the bubble in the mornings, cool off in the sea while leashed to the floating sphere, and sleep in a hammock inside it at night. In addition to the protein bars the Coast Guard said it found in his bubble, he planned to catch and eat fish, the site said.

Officials originally received a report of Baluchi floating in the bubble on Wednesday. The Coast Guard arrived on the scene about 70 nautical miles east of St. Augustine to find him disoriented and inquiring how to get to Bermuda.

Crew members conveyed the dangers of the proposed trip and asked Baluchi to end it.

He refused, but activated his locator beacon Saturday because of fatigue, Fajardo said.

Read: This guy has 41 tattoos of Homer Simpson on his body >

Read: What’s the longest you’ve ever partied? This Dublin DJ is planning to go for 8 days straight >

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    Mute Oh Mammy
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 2:43 PM

    60 fires in 24 hours? Any culprits yet?

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    Mute Brendan O'Brien
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 2:50 PM

    @Oh Mammy: Clearly climate change is the real culprit.

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    Mute John Murphy
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 2:59 PM

    @Oh Mammy: I presume embers blowing in the wind has started up a large proportion of those.

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    Mute John Jon Jon
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 3:59 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: poor climate numpties are making zero headway convincing anyone, it’s hilarious lol

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    Aug 22nd 2023, 4:04 PM

    @John Jon Jon: Dull bulbs like you can’t be convinced: they only need to be outnumbered.

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    Aug 22nd 2023, 4:45 PM

    @Brendan O’Brien: I try to increase my carbon footprint every year :) are you getting treatment for your climate anxiety lol

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    Aug 22nd 2023, 3:50 PM

    I wonder what will be the consequences for the lefty arsonist. Bet the journal won’t report on the Tenerife arsonist. Just more climate propaganda. Ryan, gates and Soros must pay well.

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    Mute Ciaran Sherry
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 5:18 PM

    While people die, and nature is being destroyed before our eyes, global heating denial is spreading like wildfire among some anonymous keyboard warriors not personally affected.
    What could this be saying about them?

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    Mute Trent
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 2:46 PM

    Terrible loss of life .. the world is burning .. even canada .. at this rate the Falklands will be the new Ibiza

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    Aug 22nd 2023, 4:48 PM

    The far left are now starting fires to push their climate agenda lol

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    Mute sally kavourmas
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    Aug 22nd 2023, 6:34 PM

    Arsonists, Climate Warriors, Left/Right politics??? Is this all we can say on the death of all these people, immaterial of where they are from? Rest in Peace, all who have perished. May your God comfort your families and loved ones

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    Aug 24th 2023, 8:07 PM

    Terrible. Praying nobody is injured or killed.

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