The Ultimate Oceanic Odyssey:
Reza Baluchi’s dreams of crossing the Atlantic in a self-constructed hamster wheel seem to keep hitting a brick wall—or in this case, the U.S. Coast Guard. His quirky method? A massive floating hamster wheel, ingeniously crafted from buoys and wire, powered solely by his vigorous running.
A Peculiar Encounter off the Coast:
Baluchi, currently a Florida resident after gaining asylum from Iran, once again caught the attention of the Coast Guard aboard his peculiar contraption. The Coast Guard cutter Valiant encountered him about 70 nautical miles from Tybee Island, Ga. on August 26, just as they were bracing for Hurricane Franklin.
His ambitious goal? London, England. Over 4,000 miles away.
When asked for his vessel’s registration, Baluchi responded that it was registered in Florida but couldn’t produce the document.
Tensions Rise with Threats:
Upon assessment, the Coast Guard, particularly Special Agent Michael Perez, deemed Baluchi’s hydro-pod voyage “manifestly unsafe”. Tensions peaked when, after being told his journey was ending for safety reasons, Baluchi threatened self-harm with a 12-inch knife if they tried removing him. Over the next day, Baluchi further exhibited two knives and even hinted at blowing himself up, leaving officers wary.
The Rescue amidst an Impending Hurricane:
Campbell, another Coast Guard cutter, arrived on the scene, offering Baluchi supplies and a warning about the incoming hurricane. Refusing to abandon his mission, Baluchi was eventually safely extracted from his floating contraption on August 29 and later ushered ashore in Miami Beach. Bail was set at a whopping $250,000. Interestingly, Baluchi’s bail terms strictly forbid him from approaching or boarding any oceanic vessel.
The Story of a Repeat Offender:
Surprisingly, this wasn’t Baluchi’s inaugural venture. Prior attempts in 2014, 2016, and 2021 had also been interrupted by the Coast Guard.
Not one to be boxed into societal norms, Baluchi had previously attempted a coast-to-coast run, reminiscent of Forrest Gump, not once, but twice. He’s even been the focal point of a VICE documentary detailing his 1,000+ mile running quest from Florida to Bermuda inside a homemade bubble.
For Baluchi, this unique mode of transport isn’t about the destination, but the journey. As he once candidly stated, “Bubble, nobody did before.”
Todd Coggeshall, a former U.S. Coast Guard member, recounts the 2014 attempt, dubbing it the “hamster wheel of doom”. This bubble became a considerable hazard, and the Coast Guard was eventually forced to sink it, costing taxpayers approximately $144,000.
A Man, His Hamster Wheel, and the Big Apple:
In 2021, Baluchi’s revamped hamster wheel garnered attention yet again, this time in Flagler County, Fla. His destination? New York City.
Now facing legal consequences, it’s uncertain whether this will deter Baluchi. However, his resolve remains clear. “Dream no coming after you. You must follow your dream,” he shared with VICE.
