Man Arrested Following Three-Day Standoff As He Tried Crossing Atlantic In Human-Powered Hamster Wheel

Credit: Twitter/@FlaglerSheriff

A man was detained after attempting to ride a human-sized hamster wheel across the Atlantic.

On August 26, Reza Baluchi, who has a history of engaging in such antics, was discovered about 70 nautical miles off Tybee Island, Georgia.

It turns out that he was attempting to go 4,000 kilometers to the UK. This is, to put it mildly, ambitious.

The US Coast Guard apprehended Baluchi when he was out getting ready for Hurricane Franklin, which tore through the area last month, according to the affidavit of his detention.

The Coast Guard tried to bring him back to shore in an effort to end his bizarre prank because they were understandably worried for his safety.

"The Vessel was occupied with one male passenger, later identified as Baluchi," it reads.

"Upon arriving at the Vessel, USCG officers asked standard boarding questions, including requesting the registration of the Vessel.”

"Baluchi informed the USCG officers that he had a Florida registration on board his Vessel, but he was unable to locate it.”

Flagler County Sheriff's Office

"He also advised USCG officers his intended destination was London, England.”

"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."

But despite the Coast Guard's efforts to get Baluchi back to land, he allegedly turned hostile and even made threats to hurt himself with a big knife.

A three-day standoff ensued during which time food and other supplies were delivered to him after he threatened to detonate a bomb if anybody approached him.

Facebook / Reza Baluchi

Later it was discovered that the bomb was fake, and the Coast Guard returned him to land.

Due to this most recent effort, Baluchi is now accused of obstructing boarding and violating a captain of the port order.

But this isn't the first time he's tried an absurd act like this.

After two years of preparation, he attempted to go from Pompano Beach, Florida, and follow the Bermuda Triangle back in 2014.

Credit: Facebook/ Reza Baluchi

He would have traveled almost 3,000 miles (4,800 km) in all, from Miami to Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and back.

The Coast Guard eventually picked him up around 185 miles (298 km) north of where he started after warning him that the mission was too dangerous, as it did with his most recent effort.

Reza Baluchi's audacious endeavors have consistently pushed the limits of what's possible, but they have also repeatedly raised concerns for his safety and the safety of others. His determination to undertake such ambitious challenges continues to captivate the public's attention, even as it leaves authorities and onlookers baffled by the audacity of his adventures.