Florida Man Faces Prison After Attempting a Transatlantic Voyage in ‘Hamster Wheel’ Vessel

Weary of expensive rescues, authorities have taken legal action to stop him undertaking dangerous ‘unprepared’ sea journeys

Ray Baluchi's self-propelled vessel that works like a hamster exercise wheel on Flagler Beach, Fla., after his aborted journey to New York in July 2021. Courtesy Flagler Sheriff's Office

A rapidly intensifying Hurricane Franklin had U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) officials preparing off the coast of Georgia in late August when they made a startling discovery—a car-sized “hamster wheel” manned by a marathon runner attempting a transatlantic voyage.

They approached the cylindrical vessel that had a metal frame and flotation buoys encircling each end.