Imagine rowing thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean with your brothers, all in the name of charity.
Now imagine doing that and getting swept overboard in the middle of a violent storm.
That’s exactly what happened to one of the Maclean brothers—three determined siblings from Edinburgh, Scotland—who are attempting one of the most ambitious ocean-crossing feats ever recorded.
Meet the Maclean Brothers and Their Mission
Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan Maclean didn’t take on this 9,000-mile challenge for fame or records—although those are very much on the table.
They’re rowing from South America to Australia with hopes of doing it in just 120 days, making them the fastest team to ever complete the route.
But the goal goes far beyond speed. They’re trying to raise $1.4 million (£1 million) to support clean water initiatives in Madagascar through a charity called Feedback Madagascar.
A Storm, a Wave, and a Moment That Could Have Been Fatal
Lachlan, the youngest of the trio, opened up this week about a terrifying near-death experience.
The team had just passed the halfway mark of their journey when things took a dangerous turn during a night storm.
While switching rowing duties with Ewan, Lachlan was trying to get into the cabin when a monstrous wave—estimated to be about 15 feet high—smashed into the side of their boat.
In an instant, he was hurled into the pitch-black water.
‘Like a Rag Doll in the Sea’
In a gut-wrenching description, Lachlan recalled being dragged along the side of the boat by his safety harness, flailing helplessly in the roaring ocean.
“I was just tossed like a rag doll,” he said.
For a moment, he didn’t know what had happened—or if his brother was okay.
Eventually, in the dim glow of his headlamp, Lachlan spotted Ewan on deck.
Still clipped in, he managed to pull himself close enough for Ewan to drag him back to safety.
His first words after being rescued? A quiet, shaken, “That was a bit scary.”
One Safety Line, One Lifesaver
Lachlan was quick to acknowledge the gear that saved his life.
“My harness and safety line probably saved my life yesterday,” he shared.
The incident has made them all more vigilant about safety protocols for the rest of their expedition.
Despite the trauma, Lachlan walked away with only a few scrapes on his hand—but the mental scars from the scare will take longer to heal.
‘No Second Chances Out Here’
This wasn’t just a rough night at sea. Lachlan described it as the first time he truly felt at the mercy of the ocean.
Their specialized boat is designed to right itself after capsizing, but they had already experienced three “knock downs”—halfway to flipping over completely.
“It was pretty scary,” he admitted. “There are no second chances out here.”
Not Their First Rodeo
This isn’t the brothers’ first epic adventure.
Back in 2020, with almost no rowing experience, the Macleans crossed the Atlantic Ocean and stunned everyone by setting three world records.
Even more impressive—they raised over £200,000 for charity in the process.
Their current journey, though, might be their biggest test yet—both physically and mentally.
A Bigger Cause Behind Every Stroke
Through their Maclean Foundation, the brothers have focused their efforts on water accessibility.
The Pacific row is aimed at funding clean water projects in Madagascar, a country where just 14% of rural residents have reliable access to safe drinking water.
So far, they’ve raised about £170,300—roughly 17% of their goal. But their mission is far from over.
Sharing Every Step of the Way
The Macleans have been chronicling their journey online, giving followers a raw look into the highs and lows of such a monumental challenge.
Whether it’s storms, exhaustion, or emotional reflections, they aren’t holding back.
And after surviving a potentially deadly fall into the Pacific, their updates carry even more weight.