Victoria Scheer reports from Yorkshire for the BBC News about Craig Wood, a former Army rifleman attempting to become the first triple amputee to sail solo across the Pacific Ocean. Wood lost both legs and his left arm in Afghanistan due to a roadside bomb explosion. He is sailing non-stop for 7,000 nautical miles from Mexico to Japan to raise funds for charity.
Setting off from Puerto Vallarta on 25th March, the 33-year-old hopes to reach Osaka by early June to avoid Japan’s typhoon season. Speaking from his 41ft aluminium catamaran Sirius II near Hawaii, Wood expressed the increasing danger he faces with each passing day on his journey. He stated, “The longer it takes me, the more in danger I am.”
Wood, who usually lives on the boat with his fiancée and two young children, faced an initial challenge with water getting into his starboard engine at the beginning of his voyage. Despite this setback, he remains optimistic and has been working on resolving the issue to ensure a smooth arrival in Japan.
The journey, although challenging, has been relatively smooth for Wood so far. His main struggle has been finding ways to pass the time with little to see on the vast ocean. Wood expressed surprise at the lack of wildlife around him and mentioned feeling apprehensive about the weather as he gets closer to Japan.
Looking ahead, Wood reflects on the importance of preparation, wishing he had packed more reading material on his Kindle e-reader and more beef jerky for the journey. As he nears Japan, the father of two is filled with anticipation about completing his expedition and reuniting with his family. Wood aims to inspire others through his journey and challenge perceptions about what people with disabilities can achieve
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