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Man Arrested After Attempted Atlantic Hamster-Wheel Voyage; $144K Cost

7/1/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Reza Baluchi tried to cross the Atlantic in a hamster wheel he built.
U.S. Coast Guard arrested him, released him on a $250,000 bond, and barred him from leaving the Southern District of Florida or boarding ocean vessels.
Agents called the hydro-pod unsafe after he threatened self-harm with knives and charged him with obstruction of boarding and Captain of the Port order violation.
The response cost taxpayers about $144,000.

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Story summary

Reza Baluchi tried to cross the Atlantic in a hamster wheel he built.
U.S. Coast Guard arrested him, released him on a $250,000 bond, and barred him from leaving the Southern District of Florida or boarding ocean vessels.
Agents called the hydro-pod unsafe after he threatened self-harm with knives and charged him with obstruction of boarding and Captain of the Port order violation.
The response cost taxpayers about $144,000.