Teen Influencer Stranded in Antarctica After Adventurous Flight
Introduction
American teen influencer Ethan Guo has been making headlines since June after landing a plane in a remote part of Antarctica without permission. But what was meant to be a thrilling adventure has turned into a nightmare as Guo remains stranded in the icy continent, unable to return home.
Challenging Circumstances
The 18-year-old from Indiana had initially planned to fly from Chile to the South Pole, but his plans were disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. He then decided to fly to the Union Glacier, a private camp for Antarctic tourists. However, upon landing, Guo was denied permission to take off again due to safety concerns.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Guo has been keeping his followers updated through his social media accounts, sharing breathtaking photos of his surroundings and documenting his experiences. He has also been using this time to raise awareness and funds for environmental conservation in Antarctica.
The Long Wait Continues
While Guo has been able to communicate with the outside world through satellite phones, his hopes of being rescued and returning home have been dashed multiple times due to poor weather conditions. He has been living in a cramped tent and relying on limited supplies, but remains optimistic and determined to make the most of his unexpected extended stay in Antarctica.
As we eagerly await Guo's safe return, his journey serves
About the People Mentioned
Ethan Guo
Ethan Guo is a 19-year-old Asian American pilot and influencer pursuing a historic solo flight to all seven continents in a small aircraft to raise $1 million for cancer research at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.[1][3][4] Inspired by his cousin's 2021 diagnosis with stage 4 blood cancer, Guo began the journey in September 2024 from Memphis, Tennessee, visiting hospitals on six continents—North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia—to meet child cancer patients and promote awareness.[1][3][4] Guo developed his aviation passion at age 13, earning a private pilot license at 17 through homeschooling to prioritize training; he is now IFR-rated, capable of instrument-only flight.[1][4] He has logged over 700 flight hours, visiting all 48 contiguous U.S. states and crossing the Atlantic three times.[1][4] Funds come from social media content, collaborations, and donations via his website.[1][4] In chess, California's Candidate Master Ethan Guo excelled at the 2025 FIDE World Cadets & Youth Rapid & Blitz Championships in Rhodes, Greece (April 13-17), winning gold in Under-12 Open Blitz (10/11) and bronze in Under-12 Open Rapid (8.5/11), gaining over 100 FIDE rating points.[2] Currently, Guo faces a setback in Antarctica, where Chilean authorities grounded his plane, alleging he deviated from his approved path into a Chile-claimed sector without clearance and filed a false plan.[1][3] Stranded at a remote outpost with daily costs of $600, he risks prosecution unless he pays $30,000 to a children's cancer charity within 30 days, leaves Chile immediately, and stays out for three years.[3] His lawyer cites mechanical issues on an exploratory flight, disputed by prosecutors.[3] Compliance could allow departure by early October via military vessel or commercial flight.[3]
About the Organizations Mentioned
Union Glacier
**Union Glacier** is a unique Antarctic organization that operates both a scientific research station and a private expedition camp, making it a key hub for exploration and logistics in Antarctica. The *Union Glacier Station* is a Chilean summer research base inaugurated in 2014, jointly managed by the Chilean Antarctic Institute and the Chilean armed forces. It consolidates earlier smaller stations and supports scientific campaigns focusing on glaciology, ice dynamics, and geophysical studies. Strategically, it is one of the closest active bases to the South Pole, about 1080 km away, which enhances its importance for polar research and logistics[1]. In parallel, **Union Glacier Camp** is a privately operated, full-service camp run by Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions (ALE). It serves as a gateway for adventure tourism and expeditions, including climbs of Antarctica’s highest peak, Mount Vinson, and journeys to the South Pole. The camp is located on a blue ice glacier and is unique in offering accommodation in large, insulated tents designed for extreme conditions. ALE emphasizes sustainable operations, employing solar power, strict waste management, and environmental impact assessments to minimize its footprint on the pristine Antarctic environment[2][4][5][7]. Union Glacier’s airstrip is optimized for heavy aircraft, benefiting from favorable wind conditions that improve operational reliability for cargo and passenger flights deep into the Antarctic interior. This logistical capability supports both scientific missions and private expeditions, making Union Glacier a critical node in Antarctic exploration and supply chains[3]. Notable aspects include the camp’s remote location—approximately 600 miles from the South Pole, comparable to a domestic flight distance in the U.S.—and its role as the largest non-scientific camp on the continent. The camp offers a unique experience combining adventure, scientific interest, and environmental stewardship, attracting explorers and researchers alike[6]. Overall, Union Glacier represents a blend of scientific collaboration, advanced logistics, and responsible tourism, positioning it as a vital player i
