Chinese sailor forced to halt Antarctic expedition after robbery

Chinese sailor Zhai Mo is forced to halt and rearrange the ongoing Antarctic expedition after his sailing vessel was vandalized and looted while anchored in Papua New Guinea waters, according to the sailor's official WeChat account.

It is a major setback for Zhai and his crew of five, who departed from Bailianjing wharf in Shanghai on Oct 10 for what would become humanity's first circumnavigation of Antarctica along the Antarctic Circle. They intended to complete a 360-day voyage covering about 36,000 nautical miles.

Captain Zhai and his crew discovered their vessel, Zhai Mo No 1, had been ransacked upon returning to their anchorage on Thursday, following a mandatory customs clearance visit to the capital city.

The incident occurred despite assurances from local police and villagers to safeguard the vessel during the crew's absence.

The mission aimed to promote polar ecological protection and maritime culture in countries and regions along the route, while visiting Chinese Antarctic research stations.

"The damage inflicted on the vessel is catastrophic," according to the account.

"Critical navigation equipment, engines, generators, rigging, life rafts, and outboard motors have been either stolen or destroyed."

"The perpetrators deliberately opened the vessel's bottom valves, causing extensive flooding across all compartments," said the article.

"The vessel, which had previously completed a successful Arctic Ocean circumnavigation, has been rendered completely unseaworthy."

Essential documentation, satellite communication systems, photography equipment, and broadcasting gear were among the items stolen.

Local law enforcement has managed to intercept one boat involved in the raid, recovering some of the stolen equipment. However, other perpetrators remain at large, with investigations ongoing.

The Chinese embassy in Papua New Guinea has been involved in the accident, coordinating with local authorities and the Chinese community to assist the stranded crew.

"While the crew members are safe, this incident has forced the team to reevaluate Antarctic circumnavigation plans," said the article.