Accident off Fuerteventura: Michael Walther has to abort SUP Atlantic crossing after collision

End of a dream: After Michael Walther and his offshore SUP collided with an unknown object last nightthe mission had to be cancelled. The extreme sportsman and environmental activist had set off from the coast of Portugal in Lagos 14 days ago and had already covered around 1,000 kilometres when the mishap took him by surprise on Thursday night. "I had just gone to bed to have a nap and then it banged once or twice. I flew through the bunk and the boat completely flipped on its side," Walther reports on the incident. After the collision, he had to head for the harbour of Puerto del Rosario on Fuerteventura, where it quickly became clear that it would not be possible to continue the journey. The structural and safety-related damage to his board "VILSEA" proved to be too serious during the morning's inspection.

Michael Walther had only recently survived the effects of hurricane "Gabriele" on the high seas before the collision led to a premature end. Despite the disappointment, the athlete remains positive: "Of course I'm disappointed, but I'm also incredibly grateful for all the partners at my side who have supported me up to this point and for the many positive messages that have reached me via Instagram."

SUP mission in the Atlantic as a symbol for climate protection

Even if the original goal was not achieved, Walther emphasises the symbolic significance of his journey: "Even if my goal of completely crossing the Atlantic is not achieved, the project remains a strong signal for climate protection - step by step, paddle stroke by paddle stroke." The extreme challenges of his tour symbolise the fact that major changes can only be achieved step by step. The setback off the coast of Fuerteventura does not change this message. The environmental activist looks to the future with confidence: "I will work on further projects to protect the oceans and the climate. The decisive factor is that we must not be discouraged by setbacks, but must now stick to climate protection more strongly than ever."

During his journey, Walther already made an important contribution to science. Using a hydrophone, he recorded underwater sounds and sent them directly to the Alfred Wegener Institute in Bremerhaven via satellite. This data is of great value for research, regardless of the fact that the journey cannot continue as planned, the organisers emphasise.