Coast Guard vs. Hamster wheel (Advanced)

Despite Reza Baluchi's persistent efforts, reaching his destination is an uphill battle due to constant clashes with the U.S. Coast Guard. His vessel, a colossal hamster wheel propelled by Baluchi running inside, poses a major problem. Living in Florida after asylum from Iran, Baluchi found himself taken in by the Coast Guard last week, marking days of confrontation. During Hurricane Franklin preparations, Coast Guard cutter Valiant encountered Baluchi and his makeshift hydro-pod about 70 nautical miles east of Tybee Island, Ga., on Aug. 26. Claiming London as his destination, Baluchi, unable to produce proper registration, faced accusations of a "manifestly unsafe voyage." The Coast Guard, deeming his journey perilous, attempted to halt it, but Baluchi, armed with a 12-inch knife, resisted. Displaying knives and threatening self-harm, he even claimed a non-existent bomb when offered assistance. After multiple attempts, Coast Guard cutter Campbell successfully removed him on August 29. Baluchi, now under $250,000 bond, faces restrictions on travel and ocean vessel boarding. This isn't his first tango with the Coast Guard, as prior homemade vessel attempts in 2014, 2016, and 2021 led to interventions. Known for unconventional methods, including a cross-country run and bubble travel to Bermuda, Baluchi remains undeterred despite the Coast Guard's efforts to thwart his ambitions. 

Testing your understanding:

True or false: 

1. Reza Baluchi's vessel is propelled by him running inside a hamster wheel.

2. Reza Baluchi is originally from Iran.

3. The Coast Guard cutter Valiant encountered Reza Baluchi and his hydro-pod during Hurricane Franklin preparations.

4. Reza Baluchi claimed that his destination was London.

5. Reza Baluchi was able to produce proper registration for his journey.

6. Reza Baluchi resisted the Coast Guard's attempt to halt his journey.

7. Reza Baluchi claimed to have a non-existent bomb when offered assistance.

8. Reza Baluchi has never had any encounters with the Coast Guard prior to this incident.

9. Reza Baluchi has attempted to travel to Bermuda using a bubble.

10. The Coast Guard has successfully thwarted all of Reza Baluchi's previous attempts.

Pick the right answer.

1. Based on the information in the text, why did the Coast Guard attempt to stop Reza Baluchi's journey?

a His vessel was not properly registered.

b He was armed with a knife.

c He threatened self-harm.

d He claimed to have a bomb.

2

2. What is the main reason why Baluchi has faced confrontations with the Coast Guard?

a His unconventional methods of travel.

b His asylum from Iran.

c His attempts to reach London.

d His previous homemade vessel attempts.

3

3. How did Baluchi respond when the Coast Guard offered assistance?

a He displayed knives.

b He threatened self-harm.

c He claimed to have a bomb.

d All of the above.

4

4. Why does Baluchi face restrictions on travel and ocean vessel boarding?

a He resisted the Coast Guard's attempts to halt his journey.

b He displayed threatening behavior.

c He has a history of interventions by the Coast Guard.

d He is currently under a bond of $250,000.

5

5. Which of the following statements best describes Baluchi's attitude towards his ambitions?

a He is undeterred despite the Coast Guard's efforts.

b He has given up on his ambitions.

c He is frustrated with the Coast Guard's interventions.

d He is fearful of pursuing his ambitions further.

6

6. What is the purpose of the "colossal hamster wheel" in Baluchi's vessel?

a To propel the vessel.

b To provide shelter for Baluchi.

c To generate energy.

d To carry supplies for the journey.

7

What is the significance of Baluchi's claim of a "manifestly unsafe voyage"?

a It led to his arrest by the Coast Guard.

b It caused a delay in his journey.

c It highlighted the dangers of his undertaking.

d It resulted in the confiscation of his vessel.

Answer Key: 

True and False: 

1. True

2. True

3. True

4. True

5. False - - Reza Baluchi was unable to produce proper registration.

6. True

7. True

8. False - - Reza Baluchi has had encounters with the Coast Guard in the past.

9. True

10. False - - The Coast Guard has not successfully thwarted all of Reza Baluchi's previous attempts.

Pick the right answer key:

1. C

2. A

3. D

4. C

5. A

6. A

7. C