In a devastating blow to polar exploration, Chinese sailor Zhai Mo’s historic Antarctic circumnavigation attempt has been abruptly suspended following a brutal attack on his vessel while anchored in Papua New Guinea waters. The incident, which occurred despite prior security assurances from local authorities, has left the expedition’s sailing craft completely unseaworthy and forced an indefinite postponement of the ambitious 36,000-nautical-mile journey.
The assault on ‘Zhai Mo No 1’ represents more than mere vandalism—it constitutes a systematic dismantling of the vessel’s operational capabilities. Upon returning from a mandatory customs clearance procedure in the capital city, Captain Zhai and his five crew members discovered their ship ransacked with critical navigation systems, engines, generators, and life-saving equipment either stolen or deliberately destroyed. In a particularly malicious act, perpetrators opened the vessel’s bottom valves, causing extensive flooding throughout all compartments.
This expedition, which embarked from Shanghai’s Bailianjing wharf on October 10, aimed to achieve humanity’s first complete circumnavigation of Antarctica along the Antarctic Circle while promoting polar ecological conservation and maritime culture. The vessel had previously completed a successful Arctic Ocean circumnavigation, making its current state of disrepair particularly tragic.
While local law enforcement has intercepted one boat involved in the raid and recovered some stolen equipment, multiple perpetrators remain at large with investigations ongoing. The Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea has activated emergency protocols, coordinating with local authorities and the Chinese community to provide assistance to the stranded crew members, all of whom are confirmed safe despite the traumatic experience.
The incident raises significant questions about maritime security in remote waters and represents a substantial setback for international polar exploration efforts. The team must now reevaluate their entire Antarctic mission while assessing whether the extensive damage to their vessel and equipment can be overcome for future expeditions.