An American social media influencer has finally been released from a Chilean airbase in Antarctica after a two-month ordeal. Ethan Guo, a 19-year-old who embarked on a fundraising mission for cancer research, found himself in hot water after landing his plane in Antarctica without proper authorization.
Guo’s initial goal was to become the youngest person to fly solo to all seven continents. However, his journey took a turn when Chilean authorities accused him of providing false flight plan data and veering off course. Despite being authorized to fly over Punta Arenas in southern Chile, Guo continued south towards Antarctica in his Cessna 182Q aircraft.
After landing in Chile’s Antarctic territory on June 28, Guo was detained at a military base where he endured freezing temperatures and limited communication for two months. Eventually, a Chilean judge ruled that he must donate the funds raised for cancer research to a childhood cancer foundation within 30 days and leave the country promptly. Additionally, Guo is banned from entering Chilean territory for three years.
Guo’s lawyer, Jaime Barrientos, defended his client’s actions, stating that Guo landed in Antarctica due to poor weather conditions and did have authorization from Chilean authorities. Barrientos expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached with the authorities.
Upon his return to Punta Arenas aboard a navy ship, Guo appeared in good spirits, wearing a Chilean national soccer team jersey. He described his detention as a “mundane” experience with limited freedoms but expressed gratitude towards the Chilean people for their hospitality.
Overall, Guo’s Antarctic adventure may have come to an unexpected end, but it has certainly been a memorable journey filled with challenges and lessons learned.
