Two former Royal Marines fight off gun-wielding pirates using paddles

EXCLUSIVE: Two former Royal Marines fight off gun-wielding pirates using paddles – with one of the Brits shot twice in the brawl – while travelling along the Amazon River

• John Bathgate and Ian Roberts attempted to travel the length of Amazon river 
• They were attacked by pirates close to the Colombian border and John was shot
• But they still managed to overpower pirates with nothing but their rowing oars 

A pair of former British Royal Marine commandos on a heroic expedition along the Amazon river somehow managed to fight off gun-wielding pirates with nothing more than their paddles – despite one of them being shot in the scrap. 

John Bathgate and Ian Roberts were attempting a world first – to navigate 3186 miles of the Amazon River from its highest point, Volcán Chimborazo in Ecuador, across the South American continent to the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Brazil. 

But their incredible ‘Summit to Sea’ adventure took a turn for the worse when, as they were approaching the Colombian border in their rowing boat, the former commandos were ambushed and held at gunpoint by two Peruvian pirates. 

Facing down the barrel of a gun, and armed with only with their rowing oars, Bathgate and Roberts sprang into action, launching a desperate and fierce assault on their would-be captors.

Bathgate sustained two gunshot wounds in the tussle, but despite being completely outgunned the brave Brits overwhelmed the bandits, disabling their craft and making a stunning break for safety. 

Ian Roberts (L) and John Bathgate (R) were attempting a world first – to navigate 3186 miles of the Amazon River from its highest point, Volcán Chimborazo in Ecuador, across the South American continent to the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Brazil

Bathgate sustained two gunshot wounds in the tussle, but despite being completely outgunned the brave Brits overwhelmed the bandits

One of the pistols wielded by the pirates is seen after the scuffle

Sharing an update on their progress on social media, Bathgate and Roberts explained how the terrifying ordeal unfolded.

‘Unfortunately, we’ve had to postpone Amazon Summit to Sea. Last week, in a remote part of the river, close to the Colombian border, we were attacked by two pirates. 

‘In a fight where we used paddles against pistols, we fought them, disarmed them, disabled their craft, and then managed to get ourselves and our equipment to safety.

‘Unfortunately, John sustained two gunshot wounds, but due to Ian’s care and our bootneck attitude, he was comfortable and stable by the time the cavalry arrived…

‘The Peruvian and Brazilian Navy and Marines arrived with an Armada of support and whisked us back to Iquitos, showing incredible care and professionalism. The quick actions of friends in Iquitos, family in the UK, and Garmin emergency response meant that we received the highest of care, and the ordeal didn’t develop into a life-threatening situation.’

Despite the attempt on their lives, Bathgate and Roberts are steadfast in their desire to return to complete the daring expedition within a year.

‘We are now on our way back to the UK. However, we intend to return within 12 months and finish what we started,’ they continued.

‘This minor hiccup certainly won’t keep us from finishing, and the actions of two individuals do not define Peru, a country whose people we have grown to love.

‘We’re both fine and will be in the UK by Wednesday to plan our return and get it done.’ 

John Bathgate was inspired to travel the entirety of the Amazon river by his adventurer father

Bathgate and Roberts (2, 3-L) are pictured alongside a member of the British consulate in Peru and a Peruvian Naval commander

https://youtube.com/watch?v=_F8Jd0ABDFg%3Frel%3D0

The Summit to Sea is one of the most exciting – and arduous – adventures ever to be undertaken.

Bathgate explained how the idea to travel some 3,168 miles along the entirety of the Amazon River was inspired by his father David, an accomplished adventurer in his own right.  

‘In 1968 my father David Bathgate was on an expedition to climb the southwest face of Huandoy, a mountain in the Cordillera Blanca region of the Peruvian Andes,’ Bathgate wrote. 

‘On completion, instead of going by air, they chose to travel back to the east coast of South America by a completely natural highway, the Amazon River. It was upon this meandering adventure that, as a climber, he thought he’d like to follow the entirety of this breath-taking journey from its highest source – Volcán Chimborazo.

‘My father didn’t get round to planning this expedition due to many other exciting commitments, notably an attempt to be the first to climb the Southwest face of Everest in 1972. 

‘But in his 80th year, coinciding with my last year as a Royal Marine Commando, he passed the idea to me. He has planted a seed and cultivated it in the form of old maps, dusty books, scribbled expedition diaries telling mysterious stories. 

‘This seed has matured into a giant Dinizea excelsa, casting shade over all other thoughts in my head. There is so much to discover on this journey, I’m compelled to finish what my father started.’

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