Photos/Video: Solo Kayaker Arrives In Bermuda

February 24, 2014

After suffering damage to his one-man vessel earlier this month, solo sea kayaker Aleksander Doba, 67, arrived in Bermuda this morning [Feb 24] in order to perform repairs before continuing his journey. Mr Doba has spent 141 days at sea.

Aleksander Doba Bermuda, February 24 2014 (4)

Since January 1, after three months of steady progress across the Atlantic and 90 percent of his journey complete, Doba has been fighting unexpected storms and paddling in circles.

Aleksander Doba Bermuda, February 24 2014 (2)

The trans-Atlantic kayaker was just over 100 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda when the decision to visit the island to affect repairs to the rudder of his kayak was made.

Aleksander Doba Bermuda, February 24 2014 (3)

At that time, a Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre spokesperson said, “At noon on Wednesday, February 19, the trans-Atlantic kayaker Aleksander Doba was 110 nautical miles southwest of Bermuda paddling towards the island to affect repairs to the rudder of his 20 foot kayak “Olo.”

Aleksander Doba Bermuda, February 24 2014 (1)

“Doba is attempting to become the first person to travel from Europe to North America in a kayak, departing Portugal on October 5, 2013, bound for Florida.”

Map Aleksander Doba Bermuda, February 24 2014

Local fishing vessel “Frog Cutter” transported Mr. Doba’s close friend Piotr Chmielinski, along with visiting media, to meet up with the kayaker in an effort to make repairs and allow him to continue on his way. The decision was made to continue on to the island unassisted to effect repairs to the rudder. Mr Doba arrived this morning and plans to spend a few days on the island.

Aleksander Doba with friend Piotr Chmielinski:

Plans on continuing his journey will depend on the progress of the repairs. Mr Doba expressed disappointment with the failure of the rudder but pointed out that he did manage to set the record and plans to complete his journey to Florida.

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Comments (19)

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  1. MyDear says:

    That’s a pretty sophisticated looking kayak. I wish you luck Sir and God speed.

    • Mazumbo says:

      Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Looks like de same route Columbus took when he was lost.

    • questions says:

      if hit by a wave Is it self righting?
      what has he been eating?
      how much does he eat and drink a day?
      what about bath room?
      what about sleep does he anchor while slepping?
      what is he using for navigation?

  2. Terry says:

    When Mr. Doba has finished his journey he should apply for residence in Bermuda.
    What strength and fortitude.

    An inspiration that is needed in Bermuda.
    Never give up.

    • Mazumbo says:

      So every one that drifts to Bermuda give them status, inmagine what the Atlantic Ocean would look like, you forgot about the Haitians and Cubans to Miami.

  3. nuffin but the truth says:

    there’s a very fine line between a brave man and a fool.

    • Joey-Bag-O'doughnuts says:

      Nothing ventured, nothing gained. They say that about the filthy rich that invested (risked) their own money and won.

  4. Awesome says:

    67 and setting a record…wonderful ..

    God Bless Mr. Doba

  5. Double M Four Twos says:

    What an inspiration! Great to see a fellow mariner pushing the limits like Commodore JB does.

  6. Malgorzata Borowska - Piatek says:

    Olek jestes FENOMEN!!! Jak milo zobaczyc Ciebie po 141 dniach samotnosci i wzmagan z ogromna iloscia nieprzewidzianych przeszkodw w tak rewelacyjnej kondycji.Brawo! Juz jestes rekordzista i inspiracja dla nas wszystkich. Pozdrowienia i powodzenia w dalszych planach

  7. Malgorzata Borowska - Piatek says:

    Brawo Olek! It is nice to see you in incredible great condition after 141 days alone and troubles on the ocean. You are Fantastic Man and inspiration to all of us! Goo luck with the repair of your kayak and all your plans. Best Regards

  8. RawOnion says:

    I’m just asking, did he shave before he initially set out? Will he shave before he leaves Bermuda? I’m sure he hasn’t bathed in 141 days and how does he take care of his bodily functions? I just need to know in case I want to venture out like that.

    • yes! says:

      LOL!!!!!! “I just need to know in case I want to venture out like that”

      Made my day man. Haha

      But it’s so true!!

  9. BermudaGirl says:

    He looks strong, and very sure of himself! What a fantastic man! Imagine yourself out there, on the dark sea, with it roiling all around you, no land in sight! Few could be so brave. I love the sea, but I would be kissing the ground right about now. God bless you as you journey out again, Sir!

    • for real says:

      for real bigger ships have perish but some how this guy is out there and is lives