Italian rower just a bit short in Pacific crossing
An Italian adventurer who spent 10 months rowing more than 9,500 nautical miles across the Pacific was rescued a mere 65 miles short of his goal -- Australia -- after rough weather sapped him of his final shreds of energy.
Alex Bellini, 30, who began his voyage off Peru in February, contacted his wife Friday to say he was too exhausted to row his 25-foot boat any farther, despite being nearly in sight of the Australian town of Laurieton.
Bellini’s wife contacted authorities, and a tugboat towed him to Newcastle, 100 miles north of Sydney.
Although looking weary and thin and sporting a bushy beard, Bellini grinned and appeared in high spirits as he met his tearful wife, Francesca.
“I’m feeling good. I’m exhausted,” he said. “I need some time to relax.”
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
