Naked adventurer’s ocean attempt held up by injury

AN Irishman’s attempt to row naked across the Indian Ocean is hanging by a thread after he cut his head in stormy waters.

Keith Whelan, 30, had to temporarily abandon his solo challenge after being thrown across the tiny cabin of his rowing boat when it was hit by a large wave off the west coast of Australia.

He managed to stop the bleeding himself and waited until morning to contact a British-based member of his team, using a satellite telephone, who then got in touch with Australian authorities over fears the wound could be infected.

A Japanese cargo ship diverted and picked up the event management consultant about 200km northwest of Geraldton, where he set off from on May 7.

Mr Whelan, from Athy, Co Kildare, is expected to remain on board the cargo ship until it arrives at Bunbury tomorrow, where he will receive any necessary medical treatment.

He also telephoned his mother, Breda Whelan, in Ireland to let her know he was doing fine.

“I’m so gutted for him after all the work he put in,” she said.

“I hope it’s not the end for his challenge.”

A spokeswoman for Mr Whelan said he may need up to 15 stitches but it was unclear whether he would be able to take up the challenge again.

“If he has to abandon it will be because of damage to his boat and not to him,” she said.

“I don’t know what condition the boat is in, but that’s what it will all come down to.”

Bad weather has already hampered his progress and forced him to spend some time on the Abrohlos Islands, from where he departed on June 4.

Mr Whelan — who calls himself the naked adventurer — wants to become the first Irishman, as well as the youngest man, to cross the Indian Ocean solo.

He is attempting the 6,000km crossing from Australia to Mauritius fully exposed because sea salt becomes encrusted in clothes and causes painful chafing.

He has been protecting himself from the elements with sun block and by sitting on a sheepskin rug.

Mr Whelan is raising funds for Keep a Child Alive, a charity that supports children and families affected by HIV/Aids in Africa and India, though his website www.thenakedadventurer.com.