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'I've Decided to Risk My Life': Scottish Brothers Launch 9,000-Mile Death-Defying Row to End the World's Water Crisis

'I've Decided to Risk My Life': Scottish Brothers Launch 9,000-Mile Death-Defying Row to End the World's Water Crisis

IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The Maclean brothers are rowing 9,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to set a world record and raise $1.3 million for clean water projects in Madagascar.
for clean water projects in Madagascar. 🚣‍♂️ Their boat is engine-less , relying solely on their physical endurance, and they face challenges like a broken auto helm, salt sores, and sleep deprivation.
, relying solely on their physical endurance, and they face challenges like a broken auto helm, salt sores, and sleep deprivation. 🎶 They boost morale with creative activities such as jam sessions and growing a lettuce garden in a Tupperware box to maintain mental strength.
in a Tupperware box to maintain mental strength. 🌟 The journey emphasizes the power of resilience and the impact individuals can have when uniting for a common good, inspiring others to join their mission.
The Maclean brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan, are on an extraordinary adventure, rowing unsupported across the Pacific Ocean from Lima, Peru, to Sydney, Australia. This ambitious journey is aimed not only at breaking the world record for the fastest team to row the Pacific but also at raising $1.3 million for clean water projects in Madagascar through their charity, The Maclean Foundation. As of now, 40 days into their 9,000-mile endeavor, the brothers have already rowed 3,106.8 miles. Their incredible voyage is a testament to human determination, resilience, and the power of a worthy cause. The Challenge of Rowing an Engine-Less Boat
The journey undertaken by the Maclean brothers is nothing short of monumental. Their boat, devoid of an engine or sail, relies solely on the physical strength and endurance of the brothers. They have had to contend with a series of technical issues, including a broken auto helm, which Ewan, a former Dyson engineer, has been tirelessly working to fix. These challenges are compounded by the physical toll of rowing, leading to salt sores, blisters, and sleep deprivation.
Ewan describes the experience as a grind, emphasizing the harsh reality of rowing in monotonous conditions day after day. Yet, despite these adversities, the brothers remain remarkably optimistic. Celebrating small milestones has been crucial to maintaining their mental strength, as has the support from home. Ewan highlights the importance of breaking the journey into smaller, manageable goals to stay mentally strong, stating that even though the journey is tougher than anticipated, they are fortunate to embark on such an incredible adventure.
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For the Maclean brothers, mental fortitude is as crucial as physical endurance. They have found creative ways to boost morale, such as jam sessions, fishing, and even nurturing a small lettuce garden in a Tupperware box. Such activities offer respite from the relentless rowing and serve as symbolic acts of hope and perseverance.
Despite the strenuous nature of their journey, the brothers view it as a privilege. Lachlan shares that the experience is both brutal and brilliant, with highs and lows that are unavoidable but always temporary. The brothers have witnessed breathtaking sights like dolphins surfing alongside their boat and whales breaching nearby, which add a sense of wonder to their grueling endeavor. Lachlan admits that, despite the hardship, the allure of uncharted waters keeps them motivated, illustrating the profound impact of embracing life's challenges.
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Beneath the surface of this epic adventure lies a profound mission: raising funds for clean water projects in Madagascar. The Maclean brothers aim to generate $1.3 million for this cause, highlighting the expedition's significance beyond personal achievement. Their charity, The Maclean Foundation, is dedicated to providing access to clean water, a basic necessity that remains out of reach for many communities around the world.
By undertaking this challenge, the brothers hope to inspire others to contribute to this vital cause. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have when they unite for a common goal. In a world facing numerous challenges, the Maclean brothers' expedition is a beacon of hope, showcasing the difference that can be made through courage, resilience, and a commitment to helping those in need.
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As the Maclean brothers continue their journey, they face the vastness of the Pacific Ocean with a blend of apprehension and excitement. While they have encountered numerous challenges already, the road ahead remains unpredictable. Each stroke of the oar propels them closer to their goal, yet the journey's outcome is far from certain.
The brothers' resilience and determination will undoubtedly be tested further in the days to come. Yet, they remain steadfast in their mission, motivated by the thought of what lies beyond their current horizon. As they continue to navigate the immense expanse of the Pacific, their journey poses a question: what drives us to embark on seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can we harness that drive to make a meaningful difference in the world?
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Bill Gates' trip to Singapore falsely linked to 'vaccine mandate' claims
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time4 hours ago

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Bill Gates' trip to Singapore falsely linked to 'vaccine mandate' claims

"Singapore passes law to mandate vaccines and jail the unvaccinated -- days after Bill Gates' high-level visit," reads a May 12 post by an Australia-based Facebook page with more than 9,000 followers. The post links to an article with the same headline on "The People's Voice", a dubious website which AFP has repeatedly fact-checked for amplifying Covid-19 misinformation. The site has also previously claimed Gates and the World Health Organization (WHO) were "forcing vaccination", which AFP has debunked here. "Just as Bill Gates and the WHO's Tedros Ghebreyesus wrapped up high-profile visits with the nation's top leaders, sweeping changes were quietly pushed through the country's legal system—changes that now make it a crime to refuse mandatory government vaccines," reads the article, calling the timing "impossible to ignore". Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post, captured on May 29, 2025 Other posts claiming Singapore would mandate vaccines also appeared on X, Facebook and TikTok. But Singapore's Ministry of Health told AFP the claims are false. "Singapore has not passed any laws on vaccinations after Mr Gates' recent visit to Singapore," the ministry said in an emailed statement on June 3. re on May 5 to announce his philanthropic Gates Foundation would be opening an office in the country (archived link). The Straits Times and Forbes also reported the announcement (archived here and here). Low likelihood of vaccine mandate A number of the false posts referenced Sections 47, 65, and 67 of Singapore's Infectious Disease Law (archived link). The provisions state that the director-general of health may direct "any person or class of persons not protected or vaccinated against the disease to undergo vaccination" when "an outbreak of an infectious disease... is imminent" and "it is necessary or expedient to do so for the securing public safety". "The authorities must show these two requirements are satisfied before they can impose any vaccine mandate," Eugene Tan, an associate professor of law at Singapore Management University, told AFP on May 29 (archived link). Penalties for failing to be vaccinated under the amendments would include a fine of up to 10,000 Singapore dollars (around US$7,760) and a prison term of up to six month for the first offence, while a second offence would see the punishment doubled. Tan said the penalties, however, would only apply when a vaccine mandate is in place, though the "likelihood of such a scenario is very low". He added that the statutes within the law make a blanket vaccine mandate "highly exceptional because they are severely intrusive and people cannot be compelled to be vaccinated". More of AFP's reporting on health misinformation is available here.

'I've Decided to Risk My Life': Scottish Brothers Launch 9,000-Mile Death-Defying Row to End the World's Water Crisis
'I've Decided to Risk My Life': Scottish Brothers Launch 9,000-Mile Death-Defying Row to End the World's Water Crisis

Sustainability Times

time7 days ago

  • Sustainability Times

'I've Decided to Risk My Life': Scottish Brothers Launch 9,000-Mile Death-Defying Row to End the World's Water Crisis

IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The Maclean brothers are rowing 9,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to set a world record and raise $1.3 million for clean water projects in Madagascar. for clean water projects in Madagascar. 🚣‍♂️ Their boat is engine-less , relying solely on their physical endurance, and they face challenges like a broken auto helm, salt sores, and sleep deprivation. , relying solely on their physical endurance, and they face challenges like a broken auto helm, salt sores, and sleep deprivation. 🎶 They boost morale with creative activities such as jam sessions and growing a lettuce garden in a Tupperware box to maintain mental strength. in a Tupperware box to maintain mental strength. 🌟 The journey emphasizes the power of resilience and the impact individuals can have when uniting for a common good, inspiring others to join their mission. The Maclean brothers, Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan, are on an extraordinary adventure, rowing unsupported across the Pacific Ocean from Lima, Peru, to Sydney, Australia. This ambitious journey is aimed not only at breaking the world record for the fastest team to row the Pacific but also at raising $1.3 million for clean water projects in Madagascar through their charity, The Maclean Foundation. As of now, 40 days into their 9,000-mile endeavor, the brothers have already rowed 3,106.8 miles. Their incredible voyage is a testament to human determination, resilience, and the power of a worthy cause. The Challenge of Rowing an Engine-Less Boat The journey undertaken by the Maclean brothers is nothing short of monumental. Their boat, devoid of an engine or sail, relies solely on the physical strength and endurance of the brothers. They have had to contend with a series of technical issues, including a broken auto helm, which Ewan, a former Dyson engineer, has been tirelessly working to fix. These challenges are compounded by the physical toll of rowing, leading to salt sores, blisters, and sleep deprivation. Ewan describes the experience as a grind, emphasizing the harsh reality of rowing in monotonous conditions day after day. Yet, despite these adversities, the brothers remain remarkably optimistic. Celebrating small milestones has been crucial to maintaining their mental strength, as has the support from home. Ewan highlights the importance of breaking the journey into smaller, manageable goals to stay mentally strong, stating that even though the journey is tougher than anticipated, they are fortunate to embark on such an incredible adventure. 'Ukraine to Restart Nuclear Power in Chernobyl': This Shocking Mini-Reactor Plan Sends Global Shockwaves Through Energy and Safety Circles The Unyielding Importance of Mental Strength For the Maclean brothers, mental fortitude is as crucial as physical endurance. They have found creative ways to boost morale, such as jam sessions, fishing, and even nurturing a small lettuce garden in a Tupperware box. Such activities offer respite from the relentless rowing and serve as symbolic acts of hope and perseverance. Despite the strenuous nature of their journey, the brothers view it as a privilege. Lachlan shares that the experience is both brutal and brilliant, with highs and lows that are unavoidable but always temporary. The brothers have witnessed breathtaking sights like dolphins surfing alongside their boat and whales breaching nearby, which add a sense of wonder to their grueling endeavor. Lachlan admits that, despite the hardship, the allure of uncharted waters keeps them motivated, illustrating the profound impact of embracing life's challenges. Unstoppable Satellite Barrage: US Firm's Hypersonic Cannon Fires Pancake Probes Into Space, Prompting Urgent Chinese Response The Adventure's Deeper Purpose Beneath the surface of this epic adventure lies a profound mission: raising funds for clean water projects in Madagascar. The Maclean brothers aim to generate $1.3 million for this cause, highlighting the expedition's significance beyond personal achievement. Their charity, The Maclean Foundation, is dedicated to providing access to clean water, a basic necessity that remains out of reach for many communities around the world. By undertaking this challenge, the brothers hope to inspire others to contribute to this vital cause. Their journey serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can have when they unite for a common goal. In a world facing numerous challenges, the Maclean brothers' expedition is a beacon of hope, showcasing the difference that can be made through courage, resilience, and a commitment to helping those in need. 'Five Times the Power': World's First Offshore Wind-Solar Hybrid Breaks Records With Unprecedented Energy Output at Sea The Road Ahead: Navigating Uncertainty As the Maclean brothers continue their journey, they face the vastness of the Pacific Ocean with a blend of apprehension and excitement. While they have encountered numerous challenges already, the road ahead remains unpredictable. Each stroke of the oar propels them closer to their goal, yet the journey's outcome is far from certain. The brothers' resilience and determination will undoubtedly be tested further in the days to come. Yet, they remain steadfast in their mission, motivated by the thought of what lies beyond their current horizon. As they continue to navigate the immense expanse of the Pacific, their journey poses a question: what drives us to embark on seemingly insurmountable challenges, and how can we harness that drive to make a meaningful difference in the world? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (22)

Floating cities: The biggest cruise ships launching in 2025 weigh over 200,000 tonnes
Floating cities: The biggest cruise ships launching in 2025 weigh over 200,000 tonnes

Euronews

time06-04-2025

  • Euronews

Floating cities: The biggest cruise ships launching in 2025 weigh over 200,000 tonnes

ADVERTISEMENT The biggest cruise ship in the world today is nothing short of a floating city. The Icon of the Seas weighs in at 248,663 tonnes and stretches 365 metres from bow to stern. At three times the weight of the QE2, the Icon is a world of destinations in itself. Inside, you'll find an ice skating rink, a water park, a swim-up bar, and even a suspended infinity pool. But this giant ship is set to be joined by an even heavier sistership in 2025. The biggest cruise ship in the world is the Icon of the Seas. Royal Caribbean Cruise Industry News lists 17 cruise ships projected to enter service in 2025. These range from American cruise line's Patriot and Pioneer ships, with the capacity for 125 guests, to giant mega ships accommodating 5,000 or more. Eight of these ships weigh in at over 100,000 tonnes. Three of them are more than 200,000 tonnes in weight - that's the same as around 500 fully laden Boeing 747 jumbo jets. These are the five biggest cruise ships ready to float in 2025. 1. Royal Caribbean's Star of the Seas Joining Icon of the Seas this year will be the second of the Icon class ships from Royal Caribbean. Star of the Seas is expected to be just like her sistership, although on paper, she weighs in slightly higher at 250,800 tonnes. The Star of the Seas is the second of three Icon-class ships for Royal Caribbean. Royal Caribbean Construction began in February 2023, and just last October, the ship was floated out for the first time. While the Icon of the Seas sails from Miami, the Star of the Seas will cruise from Port Canaveral. Itineraries will be seven nights and will touch Eastern and Western Caribbean destinations, including Royal Caribbean's own private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay. The Star will be a floating city, complete with world-class waterpark. Royal Caribbean Onboard are eight different neighbourhoods, 40 dining and drinking outlets, multiple swimming pools, and dozens of waterslides. Cabins are stunning, with options to upgrade to panoramic sea or sunset views, and even a three-story Family Townhouse complete with an in-suite slide. The Family Townhouse spans three floors and has an in-suite slide. Royal Caribbean Full operation of the ship will begin on 31 August, but ahead of that, Royal Caribbean is running a handful of 'showcase sailings'. These shorter three-night trips are a great opportunity for cruise lovers to check out the giant ship at a lower cost. 2. Disney Cruise Line's Adventure Adventure will be the eighth cruise ship owned and operated by Disney Cruise Line, and its biggest yet. Coming in more than 50,000 tonnes heavier than its Wish class vessels at 208,000 tonnes, the ship is 342 metres in length and will accommodate around 6,000 guests. The Adventure will be Disney's largest cruise ship yet. Disney Cruise Line As well as being Disney's largest cruise ship, Adventure will be the first to be based in Asia. Operating out of Singapore, the ship will undertake short three to five-night cruises with no ports of call, just a Disney party in the ocean. The new Disney ship won't have any ports of call. Disney Cruise Line Onboard is the first-ever Disney Cruise Line rollercoaster at sea, seven themed lands, and a Marvel 'style studio' where you can get a heroic makeover (and yes, adults are allowed too). Stage shows are plentiful, and choices of staterooms and suites - some that even have private hot tubs. The ship will feature plenty of Disney-themed experiences. Disney Cruise Line Adventure is still under construction and hasn't been floated out yet. It's expected to do so in May. Its maiden voyage is set to take place on 15 December, when it will head out for its first three-night trip. 3. MSC Cruises World America At 205,700 tonnes and 333 metres in length, World America isn't much smaller than the Icon class giants of Royal Caribbean. It's the second World-class ship built for MSC Cruises following World Europa, which entered service in December 2022. But while Europa sails from ports in the Mediterranean, America is destined for, well, America. World America is a key stepping stone for MSC in the US. MSC Cruises From Miami, World America will sail seven-night Caribbean cruises , alternating East and West Caribbean itineraries. Included in the ports of call will be Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Mexico and Honduras. ADVERTISEMENT The inside of the ship is nothing short of lavish. MSC Cruises Within the 22 decks, there's a choice of 19 different restaurants plus 20 bars and lounges. There's a waterpark, shows, copious shopping opportunities and the Family Aventura theme park, featuring the industry's first over-water swings. The ship has swings that let you glide out over the water. MSC Cruises The ship is complete and ready to sail. It's due to have its official naming in Miami on 9 April, for which its Godmother, Drew Barrymore, is set to be in attendance. World America left the French port of Saint Nazaire on 27 March and should arrive in Miami on 6 April. It is planned to depart on its maiden voyage on 12 April. 4. Princess Cruises Star Princess The Star Princess is the second Sphere-class cruise ship for Princess Cruises, following Sun Princess, which took its first trip in February 2024. The pair are the largest ships ever built in Italy, with a length of 345 metres, accommodation for 4,300 and a weight of 175,000 tonnes. Star Princess is one of the two biggest ships ever constructed in Italy. Princess Cruises Many features of the Star will be similar to its sistership, although it does have some new additions. The new ship will have pickleball and basketball courts, as well as a jogging track, and expanded areas in the most popular outlets, including O'Malley's Irish Pub. ADVERTISEMENT The ship will sail around the Med for the summer before heading across the Atlantic. Princess Cruises The vessel is still under construction and is expected to be delivered in September 2025. Its planned maiden voyage will be on 4 October, with its initial trips focused around the Mediterranean Sea . By late October, the ship will redeploy to the Caribbean, and in early 2026, it will head to Alaska. 5. TUI Cruises Mein Schiff Relax This 160,000-tonne megaship is one you don't need to wait for. TUI's Mein Schiff Relax was officially delivered on 7 February and entered service on 2 March. It's been operating a series of Mediterranean cruises out of Palma de Mallorca since then. Mein Schiff Relax is the lightest ship on our list, but still weighs in at 160,000 tonnes. TUI Cruises Onboard, the ship has a strong focus on wellness and relaxation. Its spa offers massages and other treatments, while a jogging track and soft-floored yoga deck let guests stretch their legs. There's a kids club, pool and sauna, and more than 30 bars and restaurants to choose from. This ship has a strong focus on wellbeing and relaxation. TUI Cruises At present, Mein Schiff Relax is running seven or eight-night cruises from Mallorca, touching points in Spain, France and Italy . Later in the year, it will switch to the south, operating eight- and nine-night cruises down to the Canary Islands. ADVERTISEMENT The giant ship is already in service, operating cruises around the Med. TUI Cruises Can cruise ships get any bigger? While critics may brandish these gargantuan ships as monuments to excess, the feat of engineering and ingenuity they represent cannot be ignored. Royal Caribbean's Icon class ships have raised the bar for cruising, but the question remains - can ships get any bigger? Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri , which constructs cruise vessels for the likes of Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises and others, told the Telegraph there is no specific ceiling for the maximum size of the craft. The spokesperson said there's no engineering reason cruise ships can't continue to increase in size, as changes in maneuverability can be compensated for with more powerful propulsion. ADVERTISEMENT Do we need cruise ships to get any bigger? Kreuzfahrt via Wikimedia However, challenges will arise when it comes to docking and maintaining anything bigger - some of the largest ships in service today already struggle to find ports to accommodate their size, often mooring offshore and ferrying passengers in by water taxi. And the people who live in ports where these massive ships dock also feel the impact. Several European tourist hotspots are restricting cruises from docking, including the Greek island of Santorini , where tens of thousands of passengers disembark on peak days. Then, of course, there's the environmental impact to consider. All these new ships are LNG-powered, which the cruise lines like to tout as being 'green.' However, while LNG is lower in CO2 emissions, it releases other, more harmful gases, and is considered by the World Economic Forum to be a 'bridge fuel,' not a sustainable long-term solution. But the biggest challenge to an even larger ship is market demand. In the past there was a trend of 'bigger is better,' and not just in cruising. Aircraft like the A380 and Boeing 747 were once the epitome of modern travel, but times are changing. ADVERTISEMENT Post-COVID, more people are concerned about being in close quarters with strangers and prioritise comfort over size. In aviation, this has seen the widespread retirement of double-decker planes; whether the cruise market ends up going in the same direction remains to be seen.

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