The 1973 Las Balsas voyage is the world's longest known raft journey, reaching 9,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Ecuador to Australia.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
The 1973 Las Balsas voyage is the world's longest known raft journey, reaching 9,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from Ecuador to Australia.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
Led by the Spanish explorer, Vital Alsar, 12 carefully selected men set sail in three rafts made from balsa wood. They hoped to prove it was possible for the Pacific Islands to have been populated by migrations from South America in the centuries before the Spanish arrived.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
Led by the Spanish explorer, Vital Alsar, 12 carefully selected men set sail in three rafts made from balsa wood. They hoped to prove it was possible for the Pacific Islands to have been populated by migrations from South America in the centuries before the Spanish arrived.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
The rafts were built from balsa wood sourced in the Ecuadorian jungle because of its durability and the fact it was used by tribes to construct rafts in the centuries long before the Conquistadors came to South America.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
The rafts were built from balsa wood sourced in the Ecuadorian jungle because of its durability and the fact it was used by tribes to construct rafts in the centuries long before the Conquistadors came to South America.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
One of the Las Balsas rafts is glimpsed over the brow of a wave. The job of sailing the vessels was split equally between all the men on board.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
One of the Las Balsas rafts is glimpsed over the brow of a wave. The job of sailing the vessels was split equally between all the men on board.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
Fish was the main delicacy for all aboard each vessel. Tuna, small pilot fish and mahi-mahi (like the one pictured) were frequently caught and devoured by the men.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
Fish was the main delicacy for all aboard each vessel. Tuna, small pilot fish and mahi-mahi (like the one pictured) were frequently caught and devoured by the men.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
The sun approaches the horizon over the Pacific Ocean. According to Las Balsas explorer Mike Fitzgibbons, the sunrises and sunsets over the Pacific were some of the most beautiful he has ever seen.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
The sun approaches the horizon over the Pacific Ocean. According to Las Balsas explorer Mike Fitzgibbons, the sunrises and sunsets over the Pacific were some of the most beautiful he has ever seen.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
Sharks were frequent visitors alongside the rafts as were curious whales. According to Fitzgibbons, there was even one occasion when a hammerhead shark began dragging one of the rafts along with it after taking the bait on a fishing line.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
Sharks were frequent visitors alongside the rafts as were curious whales. According to Fitzgibbons, there was even one occasion when a hammerhead shark began dragging one of the rafts along with it after taking the bait on a fishing line.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
Sharks weren't the only danger. A violent storm lasting eight days separated one of the rafts and knocked out its radio. It took days for all the vessels to rendezvous with each other once more.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
Sharks weren't the only danger. A violent storm lasting eight days separated one of the rafts and knocked out its radio. It took days for all the vessels to rendezvous with each other once more.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
The Las Balsas crew reached the town of Ballina in Australia after 179 days, and were given a heroes' welcome by the local community.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
The Las Balsas crew reached the town of Ballina in Australia after 179 days, and were given a heroes' welcome by the local community.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
An older Mike Fitzgibbons after completing a triathlon. He remains in touch with many of his fellow sailors on the trip and fondly recalls the experiences of the open ocean.
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
An older Mike Fitzgibbons after completing a triathlon. He remains in touch with many of his fellow sailors on the trip and fondly recalls the experiences of the open ocean.
Courtesy Mike Fitzgibbons
Many of the sailors attended a reunion celebration in Ballina last November for the 40th anniversary of the voyage .
The Las Balsas voyage 1973 —
Many of the sailors attended a reunion celebration in Ballina last November for the 40th anniversary of the voyage .