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26 MAY 2003, 11AM

Pacific rower reveals his next challenge: ‘Dodging polar bears in the Arctic Ocean in a rubber boat!’

Sea Vision Marquee, Central Zone
The International Festival Of The Sea
Edinburgh

Dom Mee, Royal Marine reservist, adventurer and star of BBC1 Extreme Lives for his gruelling row of the North Pacific, will announce his next voyage at 11am on Monday 26 May in the Sea Vision Marquee, Central Zone of the International Festival Of The Sea, Edinburgh.

Dom will also demonstrate how he puts together and paddles the 17ft folding rubber boat he will use to attempt the Northwest Passage in the high arctic. His “Arctic Quest 1831” expedition will set out on 20 August to follow in the footsteps of Sir John Ross’s ill-fated expedition of 1829 - through an area known as the M25 for polar bears!.

Dom is appearing at the Festival in his role as Ambassador for the Sea Vision UK campaign in its first appearance in Scotland. Sea Vision aims to raise awareness of the sea, the maritime sector and the exciting careers available within it.

“I am very committed to the aims of Sea Vision UK,” said the explorer. “We live on an island, yet many are unaware of the role of the sea in their everyday lives. For me the sea represents a chal- lenge I can’t resist. But it also provides me with the most of the food, clothes and equipment I need - something we often overlook.”

Dom’s epic challenge will start from the small Inuit settlement of Gjona Haven located on King William Island, Nunavut in the high arctic. He will not only need to avoid polar bear attacks but will have to contend with icebergs which could easy crush him and his rubber boat.

Totally unsupported, Dom will carry all provisions, including his camera, on board. He will travel alone in the arctic wilderness enduring freezing temperatures for around forty days. Finishing at Pond Inlet on Baffin Island after paddling some 600 nautical miles, Dom will film his entire trip to make a second documentary.

The expedition will also provide the platform for Dom to test equipment for - “The Quest” - his unique unsupported sail around the world. The Quest, scheduled for 2004, will be the first solo sail in history to circumnavigate the globe non-stop via the two Polar Regions in a 28ft yacht.

Expedition Sponsor Simon Jones Managing Director of IDS International Ltd added; “The historic epitome of the British maritime tradition is exemplified in the true spirit of adventure that is the essence of Arctic Quest 1831. In turn my company and I are proud to be associated with Dom Mee and his maritime expeditions”.

For further information contact Dom Mee 07712 180945
or visit the website www.dommee.co.uk

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