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New Zealand Mechanic Unwitting Viking Passenger to South Pole

Rather him than us

New Zealand Mechanic Unwitting Viking Passenger to South Pole
01 February 2012

We’re all up for an adventure on the high seas (just not that high, eh? And maybe only for 20 minutes or so) but news that a New Zealand mechanic has found himself an unwitting passenger on a Norwegian yacht en route to Antarctica helmed by a sailor who describes himself as a Viking has really shivered our timbers.

It appears the mechanic was repairing an anchor when maverick yachtsman Jarle Andhoy set sail on his illegal mission without realising the repairman was still on board.

To make matters worse, the last time Andhoy and his crew set sail to Antarctica it ended in disaster: their yacht sank, three men died and an extensive search and rescue operation had to be mounted.

Andhoy has attempted to calm fears about their extra passenger by claiming in radio communication: “Everything is on schedule and the atmosphere is good on board. We are well prepared for what may befall us."

Think we’ll stick with dry land all the same.

(Image: Rex Features)