American tourist freed on bail after landing on forbidden tribal island

New Straits Times

29-04-2025

NER DELHI: An American tourist who illegally entered North Sentinel Island to contact one of the world's last uncontacted tribes has been granted bail, but must remain in India while awaiting trial.
Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, was arrested on March 31 after allegedly offering a can of Diet Coke to the Sentinelese people in what he described as a "peace offering".
He was detained on Andaman Island, a territory of India, after returning from the trip.
The Sentinelese, thought to number around 200, are known for their complete isolation and hostility to outsiders.
The Indian government enforces strict bans on any contact with them, citing health risks, as they have no immunity to common diseases.
A court in Port Blair released Polyakov on bail, requiring two sureties, including one local, and mandating he remain in the city.
He must report to the police twice a week and has surrendered his passport and visa.
Police alleged that the YouTuber meticulously planned the journey, studying tides and sailing conditions before crossing 40.2km of sea in an inflatable boat from Kurma Dera Beach.
According to police, he set out around 1am, arriving at the island's northeastern shore by 10am.
He reportedly left offerings, collected sand and filmed a short video before returning to his boat.
Fishermen spotted him back on shore that evening.
Footage recovered from Polyakov's GoPro reportedly shows him landing on the island and narrating his actions.
"That is it. The last uncontacted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me?" he said, according to 'The Daily Mail'.
He told police he is a "thrill-seeker" who documents his adventures for his YouTube channel, Neo-Orientalist, which previously featured footage from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
Authorities are investigating whether any locals helped him in reaching the restricted area.
This incident comes nearly seven years after American missionary John Allen Chau was killed by the tribe during an attempt to convert them to Christianity.
Caroline Pearce of Survival International condemned Polyakov's actions as "reckless and idiotic", warning they put the entire tribe at risk.
"Uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common diseases like flu or measles, which could wipe them out," she said.
Despite previous attempts being blocked, including one in October, Polyakov succeeded in making a brief landing.
Officials say his cartoon teaser post months earlier hinted at his intentions, with an image of a Tintin-like character sailing toward an island captioned: "A little Columbus Day teaser for the fans."