Risky boat trip on the Pacific Ocean

His target was to row alone from New Zealand to Cape Horn in Chile. He started the 3rd February. The French had experiences from other boat expeditions too. He has crossed the Atlantic earlier and he became number two in a regatta in the Antilles. But crossing the feared Pacific Ocean is not easy in a small boat. So far this challenge would the biggest.

The boat was only 29 feet with the name "KeepitBlue". Unfortunately the brave man didn't reach the planed destination. This boat trip challenge nearly cost his life. After 61 days with hard rowing he reached only one third of the 9000 kilometres distance. Because of infection and sickness his efforts lasted. The coldness gave him cauldron in his feet. Even though his pains almost turned him crazy he continued to row the best he could, but after a while he understood that it would be too risky for his health to continue.

He had telephone contact with his wife and doctor on his way. Finally the doctor managed to persuade him to give up. On his way he swallowed medicine and used cold water from the ocean to reveal his pains. Use of antibiotics caused serious hallucinations for him.

Almost in the last hour a cargo ship picked Jo Le Guen up. After a dramatic rescue operation the seamen transported him to the nearest hospital. He arrived in Chile the 8th April. The doctors have to amputate eight of his toes. It was a big sacrifice for him, but as he said: "I accept it. That was the price I have to pay for taking such risk". His intention with the boat trip was to find evidence for pollution in the world's oceans and spread a message about taking care of them.

Many places around the world, the oceans are polluted. Anyway, hopefully this will make people more conscious about preserving the oceans. Jo Le Guen need to rest for a long time now, but maybe he one day will be back on the ocean. That man has really guts!

Stein Morten Lund, 28 June 2000