Blind Greenland kayakers in rescue nightmare
Sep 21, 2004 11: 09 EST
Four Icelandic kayakers - two blind and two assistants, paddled down the wild East Coast of Greenland when they decided to opt for a pick up in worsening weather. But the boat had to be abandoned, including all their gear, film and pics. Here's an update from the team:
"Our route, expected to be just over 1000 km long down one very hard coastline - and ice covered seas, proved to be a challenge we had to work hard to overcome.
The weather on the last days of our journey became consistently rough, and rather than struggle for the final km's to 1000, we stuck to our promise to get picked up rather than risk it. Unfortunately, our pick-up boat ran into engine problems ending with a hair-raising helicopter rescue by the eastern entrance to Prins Christiansund.
All members and boat crew were rescued, but boat, all equipment, films and documentaries were abandoned. Shaken but happy, we wish to forward our very best thanks to all involved, the Danish coastguard, the people of Qaqortoq, our boat men and everyone else."
This summer four Icelandic kayakers paddled 935 kms down the coast of Greenland – two of them are blind. The goal of the expedition was to raise funds for the Blind Association of Iceland.
In all, the expedition was expected to last 6 to 8 weeks, however, if things got a bit too hairy, they arranged precautions for evac.
It seems that everyday, the blind are taking more and more steps towards their independence. The most thrilling story in recent years of a blind person overcoming was that of Erik Weihenmayer’s ascent of Everest. “It didn’t just break people’s perceptions, it shattered them,” said Erik after his climb. He since went on to complete the ‘7 summits’.
Another blind athlete, Mile Hilton Barber, who’s over 50 years old made an attempt at the South Pole, has climbed Kilimanjaro, Blanc, and has even been known to drive race cars around the track!
While not too long ago people might have shuddered at the though of blind people going on a 1000km kayak down the coast of Greenland, attitudes have since changed significantly and everyday more and more opportunities arise for those visually impaired.
Both Erik and Miles are motivational speakers. Erik is also involved with teaching blind kids in Tibet how to climb.
Image of one among the only photos that survived the rescue, as they had previously been emailed.
courtesy of Internet.is/leidangur.
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