Florida Man Tries to "Run to London" Across the Atlantic in Floating Hamster Wheel

In a bizarre yet determined act of human endurance and eccentricity, a Florida man named Reza Baluchi was arrested by the US Coast Guard after attempting to “run to London” across the Atlantic Ocean in a homemade vessel that closely resembled a giant floating hamster wheel. The unusual incident took place on August 26, about 70 miles (110 kilometers) off the coast of Tybee Island, Georgia, where authorities intercepted him before he could drift further into dangerous international waters.

This wasn’t Baluchi’s first attempt at such a stunt. In fact, he has become somewhat notorious for his ambitious and unconventional sea voyages, using similar contraptions powered entirely by his own movement. But this latest endeavor brought him closer to real peril—and federal charges.

Who Is Reza Baluchi?

Reza Baluchi is an Iranian-born athlete and adventurer who has been living in the United States for several years. Known for his extreme endurance challenges, Baluchi says his motivation stems from a desire to promote peace, inspire others, and raise awareness for important causes. Over the years, he has completed several long-distance runs across the U.S. and even attempted trans-oceanic journeys before.

But this latest adventure was perhaps his boldest yet—an attempt to cross nearly 4,000 miles of open ocean from Florida to London using only his homemade vessel and his own physical effort.

The Vessel: A Hamster Wheel at Sea

The floating contraption Baluchi used has often been described as a "hydro pod" or "floating wheel," but to most people, it looked exactly like a massive hamster wheel designed for humans. Constructed from metal, mesh, and buoyant barrels, the vessel allows Baluchi to run inside like a treadmill, propelling the wheel forward across the water.

Baluchi has previously posted videos online demonstrating how he intended to survive at sea, storing protein bars, bottled water, GPS trackers, and safety gear inside the vessel. He claimed that the pod was safe and seaworthy—but the Coast Guard strongly disagreed.

What Went Wrong?

According to a criminal complaint filed by the U.S. Coast Guard, Baluchi’s vessel was deemed “manifestly unsafe” for the planned transatlantic journey. The Coast Guard had reportedly tried to intercept and reason with him several times during previous attempts in 2014, 2016, and 2021, issuing repeated warnings and ordering him not to launch again without a support team or permits.

On this latest voyage, when the Coast Guard ship approached Baluchi, they found him inside the floating wheel with no means of propulsion other than his legs, no support boat, and limited navigational tools. Officials say the risk of capsizing, dehydration, starvation, or injury was extremely high.

Baluchi allegedly refused to leave the vessel, claiming he was determined to continue his journey to London. He even threatened self-harm and claimed to have an explosive device aboard—later determined to be fake. After a prolonged standoff at sea, he was ultimately brought back to shore and taken into custody.

Charges and Legal Consequences

Baluchi now faces several federal charges, including obstruction of boarding and violation of a captain of the port order. While he has not caused harm to others, the Coast Guard considers such missions dangerous not only to the person attempting them but also to the rescue crews that must respond if something goes wrong.

Officials emphasized that while they admire Baluchi’s spirit of adventure, safety regulations and maritime laws exist to protect lives and resources. Responding to avoidable emergencies at sea is costly, risky, and diverts resources from real-life crises.

A Pattern of Risk

This is not the first time Baluchi has made headlines. In past attempts to “run” across the ocean, he has been intercepted hundreds of miles offshore and brought back under similar circumstances. His earlier missions also involved raising awareness for causes like homelessness and education, but critics argue that the risks far outweigh the message.

Still, Baluchi insists that he is not reckless—just passionate and misunderstood. He has stated in interviews that he trains rigorously, studies survival tactics, and believes in his ability to push the limits of human endurance.

The Internet Reacts

News of Baluchi’s “hamster wheel to London” spread rapidly across social media, drawing a mix of amusement, admiration, and concern. Many users praised his daring vision, while others mocked the impracticality and danger of such a journey.

Memes and jokes aside, the incident has sparked renewed discussions about personal freedom, innovation, and the line between adventurous spirit and public endangerment.

Conclusion

Reza Baluchi’s attempt to run across the Atlantic in a floating hamster wheel may seem like something out of a cartoon, but for him, it was a serious mission with real intentions. Though stopped once again by authorities, his story continues to capture public fascination—and raise serious questions about risk, resilience, and what it means to dream big, even when the world says “no.”

Whether viewed as a misguided daredevil or an unsung visionary, one thing is certain: Baluchi’s story is far from over.