Blind Japanese sailor ‘sets record’ in non-stop Pacific voyage
Mitsuhiro Iwamoto's first attempt at crossing was cut short when his boat hit a whale and sank
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A blind Japanese sailor has completed a two-month, non-stop Pacific crossing, reportedly making him the first visually impaired person to make the voyage.
Mitsuhiro Iwamoto, 52, sailed the 8,700-mile (14,000 km) journey from San Diego to Fukushima with the help of a sighted navigator.
It was Mr Iwamoto's second attempt at the voyage after his first in 2013 ended in failure when his boat hit a whale and sank. He had to be rescued by the Japanese military.
Mr Iwamoto left California, where he currently lives, on 24 February aboard his 12-metre (40 feet) yacht called the Dream Weaver.
He made the journey alongside Doug Smith, his American navigator, who he calls "Seeing Eye Doug".
After arriving at Onahama port in Iwaki on Saturday, he told Japan's Kyodo News agency: "I didn't give up and I made my dream come true. I'm the happiest person on Earth."
According to the Japan Blind Sailing Association, Mr Iwamoto is the first blind person to successfully sail across the Pacific without stopping.
"We undertake this voyage not only for personal accomplishment, but to send a message that anything is possible when people come together," Mr Iwamoto wrote on his website.
In an effort to make the crossing the second time around, Mr Iwamoto took part in triathlons to familiarise himself with swimming in the sea.
Mr Iwamoto lost his sight at the age of 16 and subsequently took up competitive sailing and running.
He has since participated in a number of sporting events including the 2012 US Disabled Sailing Championship and the 2012 San Diego Half Marathon, according to his website.
The pair made the voyage to raise money for charity and for efforts to prevent diseases that cause blindness.
An online crowdfunding campaign raised $4,300 (£3,308) in support of the journey.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments