David Bell, 54, completed an approximately 17,500‑mile solo, nonstop and unsupported row from Peru to Kenya in 327 days, arriving near Mombasa. He crossed both the Pacific and Indian Oceans in a 24ft boat named Billy No Mates, enduring sharks, crocodile‑infested waters, storms and repeated rudder repairs. Bell carried about 750kg of provisions, raised over £110,000 for Rock2Recovery and is awaiting formal verification of the record.
Ex‑Royal Marine Completes Record‑Breaking 17,500‑Mile Solo Row Across Two Oceans
Former Royal Marine David Bell has completed a remarkable 17,500-mile solo world record-breaking voyage across the Indian and Pacific Oceans
David Bell, a 54‑year‑old former Royal Marine from Bere Regis, Dorset, has completed a solo, nonstop and unsupported row across two oceans — a voyage of roughly 17,500 miles completed in 327 days — landing near Mombasa, Kenya. The feat, which is pending formal verification, would set a new distance record for a solo, nonstop unsupported ocean row.
From Peru to Kenya: The Route
Bell launched his odyssey from the west coast of Peru last November in a battered 24ft boat he named Billy No Mates. He crossed the Pacific Ocean, reached the Coral Sea off Australia, navigated the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait, and then entered the Indian Ocean en route to the East African coast.
David Bell survived crocodile-infested waters, being tailed by sharks and fierce storms to finally reach his destination aboard his battered 24ft-long boat named Billy No Mates
Harsh Conditions and Survival Skills
Along the way he faced crocodile‑infested waters, prolonged shark encounters and ferocious storms. At the toughest moments he sometimes rowed up to 16 hours a day. Strong seas forced him to repair his rudder at least three times, and he described having to play many roles on board: electrician, mechanic, navigator, chef and nurse. His craft was fitted with solar panels to power radio and satellite communications to stay in touch with a small support team.
David Bell took to Facebook to let his supporters know he was 'making his own fun' during his incredible journey
"Rowing has only been one of the jobs. When you're this far from land, there's nobody else to call. Whatever needs doing, you do it." — David Bell
Supplies, Support and Motivation
To complete the journey Bell stowed around 750kg of non‑perishable food, calculated to last roughly 350 days. He raised more than £110,000 for Rock2Recovery, a charity supporting military veterans with PTSD, and received public praise from broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle.
Records and Context
If confirmed, Bell's voyage would surpass the previous solo distance benchmark set in 2019 by Jacob Adoram Hendrickson (7,145 direct miles non‑stop across the Pacific). Bell also spent 15 days longer at sea than Sir Robin Knox‑Johnston's famous 312‑day nonstop solo circumnavigation in 1968–69.
After almost a year at sea Bell finally came ashore and was reunited with his girlfriend, Georgie. "I'm so glad to be back with Georgie," he said. "Now, I can't wait to have a beer, take the longest shower of my life and sleep in a proper bed."
Formal verification of the distance and claims is expected. Meanwhile, Bell's journey stands as a dramatic example of endurance, seamanship and charity‑driven purpose.
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