Explorer Ash Dykes Lost Contact During Congo Expedition
The expedition team experienced a 16-hour communication blackout while traveling the remote Sangha River.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Adventure Travel
Explorer Ash Dykes and his team lost contact for 16 hours during their ongoing 700km expedition through the Congo Basin. The team, currently paddling from Nola to Mossaka, faced the blackout due to the extreme remoteness of the region.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the logistical risks involved in navigating one of the world's most isolated regions. Managing emergency protocols in areas without network coverage remains a primary safety concern for long-distance expedition teams.
The expedition covers a total distance of 700km, with the team maintaining an average daily travel pace of 30 to 40 kilometres. The journey spans from Nola, Central African Republic, to Mossaka, Republic of the Congo, via the Sangha River.
The players
Ash Dykes
Ash Dykes is a professional explorer known for his record-breaking long-distance expeditions across challenging terrains.
Mebah Markdonald
Mebah Markdonald is part of the three-person team currently navigating the Congo Basin.
Will Pérez
Will Pérez serves as a team member on the current 700km expedition through the Congo Basin.
Global Rescue
Global Rescue is an organization that provides medical, security, and evacuation services for travelers in remote or dangerous locations.
The details
Ash Dykes is currently navigating the Congo Basin using an inflatable kayak while accompanied by Mebah Markdonald and Will Pérez. The team must frequently adjust their path to navigate around natural hazards like hippo pods while operating under established emergency protocols with Global Rescue.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: The expedition team began their journey from Nola.
October 21, 2026: The team confirmed they had experienced a 16-hour communication blackout.
Travel Outlook
The reliance on specialized support services like Global Rescue illustrates the necessity of professional safety infrastructure for modern adventure expeditions. This model follows the pattern set by professional explorers operating in high-risk zones where independent navigation is increasingly hazardous.
Travelers planning trips to extremely remote locations must secure reliable satellite communication and comprehensive emergency support services before departure. Understanding the lack of network coverage in regions like the Congo Basin is essential for maintaining safety on long-distance routes.
The takeaway
Expedition teams in remote wilderness areas must prioritize redundant communication plans to manage the high probability of network failure. Ensuring constant contact with emergency services remains the best way to safeguard against unexpected downtime.
Further reading
Learn more about the risks and requirements of remote journeys in our Adventure Travel section.
