An American teenage influencer who has been stuck in Antarctica for nearly two months after an unsanctioned landing has reached an agreement with Chilean authorities to leave the continent. Ethan Guo, 19, was accused of violating Chilean airspace and multiple national and international laws when he flew to the Antarctic instead of following his approved flight plan.
The deal, approved by a judge on Monday, requires Guo to donate $30,000 (£23,000) to a children's cancer foundation within 30 days. He has also been barred from re-entering Chilean territory for three years. Guo said he was "relieved by the outcome" and is now awaiting permission for his departure flight.
Guo's journey began in 2024, aiming to become the youngest person to fly solo around the world. He has visited six continents, stopping at hospitals to meet child cancer patients and raise awareness. His attempt was halted in June when he landed at a Chilean base on King George Island, about 75 miles off the Antarctic mainland, after deviating from a planned route to Ushuaia, Argentina.
The teenager claims he made an emergency landing because ice was forming on his Cessna's wings, causing him to lose control. He told the New York Times that he lost contact with air traffic controllers and needed the nearest safe haven. However, Chilean aviation officials say his life rafts and vests are expired, his anti-icing system is not functioning, and fuel levels may be insufficient for the six-hour flight to Punta Arenas.
Guo has described his time at the base as "quiet and lonely", spent reading science fiction books. He remains adamant that his plane is in good enough condition to fly back, but Chilean authorities have barred him from piloting it. He must instead pay for transportation off the island, though it is unclear when that will be arranged.
