Foolish plan may put lives at risk

Often, there's a fine line between being adventurous and being stupid.

It's hard to avoid the suspicion that this week Norwegian Jarle Andhoy has not just crossed that line, but obliterated it, with his decision to make an illegal trip to Antarctica to find out why a similar trip last year ended with the sinking of a support yacht and the deaths of three men.

In February last year, Mr Andhoy and a companion, Samuel Massie, attempted to cross the South Pole on quadbikes.

However, the support yacht waiting for them in McMurdo Sound sank, and all three men aboard died.

The two men were rescued from the ice, but faced a storm of criticism for their ill-fated trip.

Authorities in this country are now looking for Mr Andhoy, because of a belief he is embarking on another illegal trip to Antarctica, this time to find answers about what happened last February.

Under Norwegian law, both of Mr Andhoy's trips to Antarctica are required to be authorised by that country's authorities. Both trips are understood to be unauthorised.

It would be a sad world indeed where rules and regulations quashed the human desire to explore and learn.

That desire is one of the things which makes us human. But then, apparently, so is our ability to reason and make sensible decisions, and in this case you have to wonder if Mr Andhoy has taken leave of his senses.

The wannabe-explorer claims he thinks about the events of last year's trip every day.

If he'd thought a bit harder, perhaps he'd have a greater appreciation of some of the risks involved.

Clearly, last year's trip was hampered through a lack of planning, and there are suggestions this newest expedition may be no different.

Harsh as it may sound, if Mr Andhoy wants to ignore the laws of his country and dash off to Antarctica, potentially putting his life at risk in the process, that's his business.

But what happens if he gets himself in trouble again and, like last year, needs the services of rescue crews to get him out?

Even the best trained and equipped rescue teams put themselves in harm's way when navigating an environment as hostile as Antarctica.

There are no guarantees of what may happen and, were it to eventuate that Mr Andhoy did need to be rescued and something went wrong, the adventurer might find himself with more people to answer to than just the Norwegian authorities.

Governments may be tough but grieving families are tougher.

Feedback: editor@wanganuichronicle.co.nz