The Stand Up for Our Seas team battled the wind and current to bring their inspiring expedition around Baa Atoll to a triumphant finish on Thursday.
Paddling directly against a strong wind, the team passed Hithaadhoo on Thursday afternoon and finally arrived at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, coming full circle to the base from where they kicked off their adventure on February 21.
"[Our] two main phrases this week were 'don't look back' and 'five more minutes'", said Dr Claire Petros of the team, as she looked back on how the four tenacious women encouraged and motivated each other in the face of formidable circumstances.
Although drained from the feat, the team were victorious as they successfully paddled ashore at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, clocking in the last 8.5 km of their 100 km expedition.
"It was really hard, but I guess that's the fun in the challenge", said an exhilarated Claire.
"And we’ve got a much bigger sense of achievement now that we’ve got here, given that that was such a difficult paddle!".
As the team concludes their journey around Baa Atoll to raise awareness on the negative impacts of plastic pollution, climate change, and discarded fishing gear on marine life, they were joined by Minister of Environment Dr Hussain Rasheed for the closing ceremony.
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