Breaking the record for survival on Rockall
Rockall Island is a confetti of the United Kingdom territory, an uninhabited and unvegetated granite islet lost in the middle of the North Atlantic, 230 miles west of the Outer Hebrides . Claimed by the British Crown since 1955, it has been the object of envy and challenge ever since. Chris Cameron, a 53-year-old Scottish science teacher, son of a sailor, oceanographer and former military man, wants to break the record for survival on this inhospitable rock, currently 45 days. The adventurer has set himself a goal of 60 days alone on Rockall. The idea came to him following the confinement linked to the Covid-19, wanting to experiment further the concept of solitude.
Very complex living conditions
Rockall is 31 meters long and 17 meters high. The only flat surface at the top measures 4 meters by 1.5 meters. To survive there, the adventurer, who will share the first days with 2 companions, a radio amateur and a mountaineer, will have to use mountain equipment. An ultra-resistant mini-tent will be set up at the summit, which can accommodate 2 people. The mountaineer will sleep suspended from the cliff, thanks to specific mountaineering equipment.
After a week, the boat that brought the team will leave with the 2 acolytes, leaving Chris Cameron with the food necessary for his 60 days on site, a computer, a VHF, an Iridium satellite phone and a solar panel.
Amateur radio and charity
To give meaning to his experience, Chris Cameron has decided to raise money for charity. He hopes to raise £50,000 for the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines Charity and ABF Soliders. To do this, he will be giving out QSL cards to amateur radio operators attesting that they have been in communication with Rockall.
