By Amidst Bengaluru’s severe water crisis, a 75-year-old retired army officer laced up his shoes to pursue his dream 18,000km away amidst Antarctica’s penguins and humpback whales. Departing from his hometown on Feb 14, Col (retd) OPN Kalyan embarked on an adventure to the Antarctic islands.
Among a group of 140 expeditioners, he was one of the mere 10 daring souls to plunge into the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean through back-diving.
Kalyan represented India along with 11 others in the expedition. The Indian team’s journey began with a flight from Mumbai to Argentina via Dubai, followed by boarding the Ocean Albatross from Ushuaia, a seaport located at the southern tip of Argentina.
Navigating the treacherous Drake Passage, notorious for its challenging sea conditions between South America’s Cape Horn and Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands, the team endured a grueling 36-hour crossing. “Several passengers grappled with seasickness during the journey,” Kalyan recalled.
A few kilometers off the main island of Antarctica, the ship dropped anchor, and zodiac motor boats ferried them to the island. Following this, they embarked on a two to three-hour trek, enduring extreme cold and fierce winds, with penguins, seals, and Antarctic birds in clear view.
“Despite spending nights on the ship due to regulations, fulfilling a lifelong ambition at the age of 75 was remarkable. It was an incredible achievement and an unforgettable experience,” Kalyan expressed.
A standout moment occurred on the evening of Feb 23, when the ship’s captain invited volunteers for a ‘polar plunge’ into the freezing Atlantic Ocean.
“Among the 140 expeditioners, only 10 volunteered, and I boldly executed a back-dive into the ocean,” shared Kalyan.
