Influencer Detained in Antarctica While Trying to Fly to All 7 Continents

Influencer Ethan Guo has been detained in Antarctica amid his challenge to fly to all seven continents.

Chilean authorities told CNN on Wednesday, July 2, that Guo, 19, landed on a portion of Antarctica where Chile has a territorial claim over the weekend. The internet personality allegedly broke “multiple national and international regulations” when he changed his flight plans without notice.

Law enforcement claimed that Guo submitted a false flight plan and took off from Carlos Ibáñez del Campo Airport in Punta Arenas. During the flight, Guo, who was the sole passenger, turned off course and headed to Antarctica. When Guo landed at Lieutenant Rodolfo Marsh Base, he was detained and formally charged.

Guo’s lawyer, Karina Ulloa, shared during a press conference on Sunday, June 29, that the pilot had experienced “complications” while flying.

“While already in the air, he began to experience a series of complications,” Ulloa said, claiming that Guo “was conducting an exploratory flight to see if he could follow this route or not.”

Guo announced in June 2024 that he was embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. He challenged himself to fly across the globe in 100 days. In addition to trying to become the “first person in history to fly solo to all seven continents in a small aircraft,” Guo wanted to raise money for cancer.

“In 2021 my cousin was diagnosed with cancer. I admire him. He inspired me to take life more seriously and join the fight against cancer,” Guo’s website read. “I want to use every opportunity to raise awareness of childhood cancer and the necessity to increase research efforts to find prevention and treatment methods.”

Guo kicked off his travel plans in September 2024, flying from Memphis to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey.

“The views flying through the city were absolutely breathtaking,” Guo said in an Instagram Reel at the time. “The day ended smoothly, but when I tried to check into a nearby hotel, they refused because I’m 18. After spending a few hours in the lobby, I was about [to] go sleep at the airport, one of the receptionists felt bad and secretly let me check in.”

Since then, Guo has traveled across Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. Before his detainment, Guo last shared that he made it to the Philippines on June 23.

“Day 142 of flying to all 7 continents in order to raise a million dollars to fight cancer! Route: RPMD-RPLL Distance: 650 miles,” he captioned an Instagram Reel.