In an unexpected turn of events, Ethan Guo, a 20-year-old American pilot and content creator, has found himself effectively stranded at a Chilean air force base on King George Island, located off the coast of Antarctica. Since June 28, when Chilean authorities detained him for allegedly landing his single-engine Cessna without permission, Guo has faced significant challenges, including limited food options and a solitary existence.
Guo's daily meals are stark, consisting mainly of bread with a teaspoon of butter for breakfast, and beans, lentil soup, or pasta for lunch and dinner. His living conditions are equally challenging, as he resides in a single room within the barracks, struggling with a spotty Wi-Fi connection. Over the past six weeks, he has only been outside for about an hour, resulting in a loss of 20 pounds. "It’s very hard and it’s really isolating and lonely," Guo expressed during a recent Zoom call, highlighting his feelings of confinement.
This week, a Chilean judge approved a deal that allows Guo to have his case dismissed if he pays $30,000 to a children’s cancer charity and refrains from re-entering Chile for the next three years. Despite this resolution, a pressing question remains: how will Guo manage to leave King George Island? Currently, the island is enveloped in winter's harsh grip, with temperatures consistently below freezing and frequent snow showers.
Chilean officials have deemed it unsafe for Guo to attempt a flight to South America over the Drake Passage, a notorious waterway known for its perilous weather and reduced visibility. In fact, a tragic incident in 2019 saw a Chilean air force plane crash in the Drake Passage, resulting in 38 fatalities. Commercial flights to the island are suspended until winter subsides, adding to Guo's predicament.
Guo's only options for leaving the island involve financing a trip on a Chilean ship or arranging a flight to Punta Arenas, located at the southern tip of Chile. However, the aviation authority has ruled out the possibility of him flying his own Cessna due to expired life rafts and life jackets, as well as the absence of an anti-icing system. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the aircraft's fuel levels, with the agency stating, "there is no certainty that the remaining fuel on the aircraft will be enough to reach the city of Punta Arenas," which is approximately six hours away.
Guo was on an ambitious mission to fly to all seven continents while raising $1 million for cancer research. He began his journey in Memphis on May 31, 2024, sharing his experiences with his 1.4 million followers on Instagram. His posts documented various challenges, including engine troubles and a brief detention in Myanmar, alongside joyful moments like flying over Switzerland's picturesque lakes and visiting the pyramids in Egypt. Unfortunately, his plans were upended when he landed unexpectedly on King George Island instead of heading to Ushuaia in southern Argentina.
Chilean authorities accused Guo of submitting a "false flight plan" and landing without authorization, claiming his actions posed a threat to public safety. Guo has strongly disputed these claims, explaining that after taking off from Punta Arenas, his navigation instruments malfunctioned, and ice began to form on his plane, complicating his ability to fly. Losing communication with air traffic control and airspeed, he felt compelled to land on the nearest landmass, which turned out to be Antarctica.
Upon landing, Guo was met by fire trucks and officials in black suits who informed him of his detention at the President Eduardo Frei Montalva Base. His life on the island has been fraught with difficulties; he cannot leave the base without an escort and struggles with the language barrier, although his Chilean hosts have been teaching him some Spanish, albeit mostly swear words, which he humorously acknowledged.
As Guo celebrated his 20th birthday last month, his hosts surprised him with chocolate and a makeshift cake, a gesture he appreciated amidst his challenging circumstances. Following the recent court ruling, Guo's lawyers provided evidence to support his account, including flight records and a WhatsApp screenshot indicating a Chilean aviation official's approval for his landing.
While relieved by the case's resolution, Guo expressed frustration over the time it took to reach this point. "I’m fighting for my right to fly," he declared, emphasizing his determination to continue his mission and return to Memphis, where his journey began over a year ago. However, he remains cautious, stating, "Nothing is concrete yet," as he navigates the complexities of his situation on King George Island.
