03/08/2026
๐ ๐ ๐๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ ๐๐ป๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐ป๐๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ถ๐ป ๐๐ต๐ฒ ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ถ๐ณ๐ถ๐ฐ
Last month, our vessel Turtle Island crossed paths with solo ocean rower Kelsey Pfendler during her remarkable journey from California to Hawaii.
While on watch, Chief Officer Hou noticed via AIS that Kelseyโs 21-foot rowboat, Lily, was making very slow progress. Concerned that she might be in difficulty, he contacted her by radio to check that she was safe and ask whether she needed any food, water or assistance.
Thankfully, Kelsey was doing well. The two exchanged contact details, and Chief Officer Hou asked her to let him know when she safely reached Hawaii.
The encounter was a simple but powerful reminder of the longstanding tradition of mutual care at sea. Far from shore, seafarers look out for one another, recognising a shared responsibility for everyone on the water.
Kelsey is undertaking the voyage not only to test the limits of human endurance, but also to raise funds and awareness for the Whale Foundation, which supports the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of Grand Canyon River guides.
Watch the video to hear the radio exchange and reflections from both Chief Officer Hou and Kelsey following their memorable meeting in the middle of the Pacific.
Source: You Row Kelsey, Shandong Peopleโs Radio Station