Ocean explorer calls off world-first Pacific expedition, citing safety concerns

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Ocean explorer Chris Bertish has called off his planned solo Pacific Ocean expedition, citing safety concerns.

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Bertish said he will no longer attempt an unsupported trans-Pacific crossing aboard a modified beach catamaran after three years of preparation.

The decision followed months of testing and consultations with safety experts and weather forecasters, who determined conditions posed an unacceptable level of risk.

“When more than 700 nautical miles of testing, training, data and experience over the last 12 months all point to the risk being too high and you proceed anyway, that is no longer calculated adventure — that is called reckless,” Bertish said.

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The expedition had been scheduled to depart California in early July, after an earlier launch was delayed by technical issues and weather concerns.

Although the voyage has been canceled, Bertish said the mission behind the expedition will continue through his Oceans Without Borders initiative and the Chris Bertish Foundation. Fundraising efforts will support construction of a classroom in northern Kenya and large-scale tree planting projects.

“A school classroom will be built. The trees will be planted. The impact will happen,” Bertish said. “No matter what it takes, we will get it done.”

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