Explorer Ash Dykes out of contact during Congo Basin expedition
Welsh explorer Ash Dykes and his crew have been out of contact with their support team for more than 16 hours while kayaking through the Congo Basin, raising concerns about their safety during a 700-kilometre expedition.
A statement published on Dykes’ official Instagram account on October 21 said his support team had not received any communication from the adventurer or his companions.
«It’s been more than 16 hours since we last heard from Ash and the team which is concerning,» the statement read. «We will endeavour to keep you posted and let you all know as soon as we hear more.»
The message was signed by Matt, a member of Dykes’ support team, who has been helping manage communications and social media updates during the journey.
The statement did not specify where the expedition members were last contacted or explain what might have caused the communication gap.
There has been no confirmation that Dykes or his companions have been injured or are in immediate danger.
The announcement came after Dykes shared footage from the 14th day of his kayaking expedition, describing the extreme conditions his team had encountered in the rainforest.
«700+km through the Congo Basin!» he wrote in the caption, describing encounters with gorillas, hippos and forest buffalo, alongside relentless heat, exhaustion and the risk of illness. «We’ve faced plenty of challenges, and there have been doubters from day one,» he added, expressing confidence that the team would reach its destination.
What is Ash Dykes doing in Congo Basin?
The 35-year-old adventurer began his latest expedition in early October, aiming to travel more than 700 kilometres along the Sangha River, from Nola in the Central African Republic to Mossaka in the Republic of the Congo.
Travelling in inflatable kayaks, Dykes is accompanied by filmmaker Will Pérez and local guide Obed Temba.
The expedition forms the first stage of Project 6, an initiative involving six extreme adventures across different environments over 12 months.
The Congo Basin route presents several challenges, including dangerous wildlife, intense heat, difficult river conditions and limited access to drinking water or medical assistance.
Dykes has documented much of the journey on social media, sharing encounters with wildlife, overnight camps and the physical demands of navigating the rainforest.
Previous updates described difficulties with water filtration equipment, dehydration and travelling after dark.
Dykes is an experienced explorer who has previously crossed Mongolia alone, walked the length of Madagascar and completed an expedition along China’s Yangtze River.
His support team has promised to release further information when contact is restored or new details become available.
