Explorer to survey sea ice in the Arctic

BRITISH explorer Pen Hadow has announced he will make a scientific survey of the Arctic sea ice while attempting the first unsupported solo crossing of the Arctic Ocean.

The 1,000-mile coast-to-coast traverse of the Arctic Ocean from Russia to Canada, via the North Pole, will take place in February next year.

Hadow, 50, who in 2003 became the first person to trek solo, without resupply, from Canada to the North Geographic Pole, will make the journey on foot with no resupplies or machines, dogs or kites.

During the 100 days of the trek, he will face some of the most extreme weather conditions on Earth, while enduring repeated long distance swims between the ice floes.

“It’s all about combining the spirits of adventure and science to get the important message out that the Arctic Ocean environment is rapidly changing, and the impacts will be coming to many of us, sooner rather than later,” said the Old Harrovian.