Saario remains aboard his damaged rowing boat in a remote and demanding stretch of ocean between South America and Africa. According to the latest update, he remains conscious and capable of managing the situation while awaiting assistance.
“Jari is still operational. He has prepared for the arrival of the assisting vessel and for the night ahead,” the update said. Communication with him is limited, but the situation is described as under control.
Saario triggered an emergency alert after his rowing boat sustained damage in heavy seas during a solo ocean rowing expedition from Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to Cape Town in South Africa. The journey crosses one of the most isolated and challenging maritime regions in the world.
Maritime rescue authorities have confirmed they are receiving signals from Saario’s emergency beacon and are coordinating the response internationally. Responsibility for the operation lies with the South African Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, with Finnish authorities monitoring developments.
The nearest vessel to divert was the merchant ship Cymona Eagle, which altered its course after receiving the distress alert on Friday. The ship, registered in the Marshall Islands and operated by a Greek shipping company, was sailing from Argentina to Bangladesh at the time.
The shipping company said the vessel responded to instructions from the Cape Town rescue centre and is working closely with authorities. It confirmed that the ship is approaching a small rowing vessel carrying a single person and that the situation is being monitored continuously.
The delay has been attributed to the extreme remoteness of the area, long distances, and demanding sea conditions. The region lies thousands of kilometres from the nearest coastline, with distances comparable to those between major European capitals.
Earlier updates indicated the rescue ship could reach Saario around midnight Finnish time. That estimate has since shifted by several hours, extending the wait into the night.
Despite the circumstances, updates have stressed that Saario’s mental state remains clear and that he has retained the ability to remain aboard the vessel. His rowing boat, while damaged, is still afloat.
Saario is an experienced ocean rower known in Finland for long-distance expeditions. He has previously completed crossings of the Atlantic Ocean and has spoken openly about the risks associated with solo ocean rowing.
Before the current expedition, Saario shared details of his custom-built rowing boat, which measures 7.3 metres in length and is constructed from fibreglass. The vessel weighs around 400 kilograms without equipment and roughly 600 kilograms when fully loaded. He described the boat as light to row despite its size.
The boat was designed for extended ocean travel and named Clayton. Saario said before departure that the journey would involve some of the most demanding sea areas on the planet.
HT