Florida man nabbed for trying to 'run' across Atlantic to London in human-sized hamster wheel on August 26
MIAMI, FLORIDA: Coast Guard authorities arrested 44-year-old Florida man, Reza Baluchi, in a rather peculiar situation, intercepting his unconventional hamster wheel as he reportedly aimed to "run" all the way to London.
According to the criminal complaint, Baluchi now faces federal charges following his arrest, which took place 70 miles off Tybee Island, Georgia, by Coast Guard officials.
The complaint stated, “Based on the condition of the vessel – which was afloat as a result of wiring and buoys – USCG officers determined Baluchi was conducting a manifestly unsafe voyage."
When was Reza Baluchi found?
Baluchi, a marathon enthusiast, was found on August 26, inside his unusual vehicle which was shaped like a hamster wheel, and was questioned.
The vessel, deemed "manifestly unsafe," is a colossal metal drum equipped with inflatable buoys on either side and features paddles driven by an individual running inside.
According to his Facebook profle, Baluchi is an Iranian athlete and activist currently residing in the United States.
On multiple occasions, he has made ambitious attempts to embark on long-distance journeys along the East Coast.
Does Reza Baluchi have a registration?
According to the complaint, Baluchi could not furnish the necessary registration documentation for his aquatic vehicle.
Furthermore, he conveyed to the authorities his intention to journey to London, England, by "running" inside his hamster wheel.
Upon informing Baluchi of the Coast Guard's decision to halt his voyage, he resorted to alarming threats.
He brandished a 12-inch knife, threatening self-harm if anyone attempted to apprehend him, and asserted the presence of a bomb on board, as per the complaint.
What are the charges against Reza Baluchi?
Baluchi now faces federal charges for obstructing a boarding and violating a Captain of the Port order.
On Friday, September 1, officers managed to convince him to disembark at the USCG Base in Miami Beach, Florida.
Following several days of negotiations to persuade Baluchi to board Coast Guard vessels, he ultimately admitted to not possessing an actual bomb.
#BreakingNews Coast Guard towing endurance runner's HydroPod back to shore. Runner voluntarily ended sea voyage. pic.twitter.com/DzrES5dipt
— USCGSoutheast (@USCGSoutheast) April 24, 2016
Court documents revealed that this was not Baluchi's inaugural attempt to traverse water in his hamster wheel.
He had previously undertaken similar ventures in 2014, 2016, and 2021, all of which concluded with Coast Guard intervention.
Why did Reza Baluchi drive a water bubble?
Speaking to FOX 35, Baluchi revealed that his endeavors were driven by a noble purpose.
He aimed to raise funds for several charitable causes, including support for homeless individuals, contributions to the US Coast Guard, as well as assistance to police and fire departments.
He said, “My goal is to not only raise money for homeless people, raise money for the Coast Guard, raise money for the police department, raise money for the fire department."
Baluci continued, "They are in public service, they do it for safety, and they help other people."
