An unusual ocean venture was curtailed by the U.S. Coast Guard last week after encountering Reza Baluchi, a Florida resident and Iranian asylum recipient, aboard a self-made aquatic device designed like a large hamster wheel.
Baluchi’s one-of-a-kind sea-going contraption was located about 70 nautical miles off the coast near Tybee Island, Georgia, on the date of August 26. When questioned by authorities, Baluchi stated his intended destination as London, a trip of over 4,000 miles.
When asked for proof of the vessel’s registration, Baluchi indicated that it was officially registered in the state of Florida but was unable to present any confirming documents. The U.S. Coast Guard evaluated the situation and determined that the sea journey represented a significant safety hazard.
The matter intensified after Baluchi, when approached for removal from his apparatus, threatened self-inflicted harm with a knife. According to a federal complaint filed in a South Florida district court, Baluchi warned authorities that he had explosive materials and would detonate them if attempts were made to forcibly remove him.
The Coast Guard decided to maintain a cautious distance before ultimately detaining Baluchi. The incident remains under active investigation.
In 2021, his vessel washed ashore in the Hammock area in Florida, prompting local authorities and the US Coast Guard to intervene for safety compliance.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) first responded to calls from concerned citizens. The occupant of the vessel, who had initially left the St. Augustine area to head to New York, encountered complications that led him to return to shore.
