Update from explorer taking on ‘world’s most dangerous’ expedition after he 'vanished' for hours

Explorer Ash Dykes has shared an update after a communication blackout sparked concerns for his safety.

Dykes is currently embarking on a treacherous mission through the Congo rainforest in what’s been dubbed the ‘world’s most dangerous’ expedition.

On Wednesday (21 October), his team raised the alarm after saying no one had heard from the 35-year-old in ‘more than 16 hours’.

In a post shared on Dykes’ Instagram page by his team, they wrote: “Please bear with us; it’s been more than 16 hours since we last heard from Ash and the team, which is concerning.

“We will endeavour to keep you posted and let you all know as soon as we hear more.”

In an update on Thursday (22 October), Dykes has now confirmed that he’s safe and well.

In the clip, Dykes said: “Hey guys, touching base from the Congo Basin, letting you know that all is well with me, Will and Obed.

“We’ve been out of power for nearly two days. I’m currently in a storm, about to get into the tent.”

Dykes went on to say that he and his fellow explorers had travelled from village to village in a desperate attempt to find somewhere to charge their powerbank so they could power up the Starlink so that he could post.

“It did mean we were out of signal fully and we couldn’t touch base with the team [and] family and friends back home but eventually we did have a spot of signal and I was able to get a text message to loved one back home, to let you guys know that everything is fine and everything is safe.”

Despite being stuck in a storm with no signal for days, Dykes appeared to be upbeat in the clip and revealed that he was hoping to cross the finish line the day after tomorrow, which they are planning to steam live.

Sharing the clip, the explorer wrote: “The finish line is getting closer, and we’re hoping to livestream the final stretch on TikTok and YouTube if we can keep everything charged and connected!

“We’re so close now… and we’re not stopping!

“Thank you all for your incredible support. More updates coming soon!”

Dykes’ latest expedition has seen him taking on a partaking in a 434-mile kayak trip through the Congo Basin as part of his 'Project Six' expedition series: an ongoing adventure series that involves tackling six expeditions in six different extreme environments.

Previous journeys have seen Dykes solo-trek across Mongolia and walk along China's Yangtze River.

His journey through the Congo Basin has drawn particular attention online, due to the risks associated with travelling along the remote river.

As well as the potential to face runs ins with animals such as crocodiles, hippos and snakes that call the Congo River home, there’s also the risk of contracting Malaria and Yellow Fever from mosquitoes, as well as diseases from water-borne parasites.

But Dykes recently revealed to UNILAD that he was fully aware of the potential risks and prepared for the worst-case scenario.

"I've mentally prepared by visualising the absolute worst-case scenario," he said.

"I've studied it. I've looked at other people who have been attacked, what they did and the different methods they used."