Matt Rutherford is one week into a 10,000-mile solo, unassisted voyage through the Arctic Ocean. The founder of the Ocean Research Project is the first person attempting to complete this navigation without stopping. Amidst the challenging conditions of the Arctic, he recently documented a unique encounter with a pod of pilot whales.
Known for their curiosity, the whales approached his vessel as he sailed through dense fog. Rutherford reports that these animals, which are technically a species of dolphin, often swim alongside his boat for extended periods. He describes the experience of hearing their vocalizations directly through the hull of his ship, noting that they frequently play in the wake of his vessel.
Beyond the encounter, Rutherford uses this expedition to highlight critical shifts in the environment. He notes that the reduction of ice in the Arctic permits his attempt, a clear sign of rising global temperatures. The region undergoes changes at a faster rate than other parts of the planet, which remains the primary focus of his research.
He has now spent over 40 days alone on the water. His ongoing journey serves as a platform to document the state of the Arctic and the wildlife that occupies these remote northern waters. You can follow his updates as he continues his circumnavigation.