An endurance runner trying to make it from Miami, Florida to Bermuda in an inflatable "Hydro Pod" was rescued by the US Coast Guard on Saturday after he signaled for help.

Reza Baluchi, the man in the bubble, is a peace activist whose website states he is attempting to run through 194 recognized countries "to inspire us and unite us as a people." The goal of his trip from Miami to Bermuda writes, he writes, "to raise money for children in need and to give inspire those that have lost hope for a better future." The website notes the difficulties one faces when traveling in the Hydro Pod:

We also have to remember that Miami, Fl. Is very hot, humid and tropical. Being inside the Hydro Pod is not going to be a walk in the park, it will be very hot and humid. One can easily dehydrate quickly and lose breath. Reza has devised this Hydro Pod to prevent physical difficulties. But not anyone can use without being mentally and physically fit. Being mentally fit is the main component to be able to survive a long journey in the Hydro Pod.

CNN reports the Coast Guard first became aware of Baluchi on Wednesday when they received—no doubt a typical occurrence for the Coast Guard—reports of a disoriented man in a bubble asking for directions to Bermuda. A Coast Guard press release says Baluchi had protein bars, bottled water, a GPS, and a satellite phone with him in the bubble, and was urged to quit his journey because he didn't have enough supplies.

Baluchi refused to quit, but on Saturday morning, suffering from exhaustion, he activated his personal locating beacon. Aww.

The Coast Guard reports Baluchi was rescued 70 nautical miles east of St. Augustine and a HC-130 airplane, a MH-60 helicopter, and the vessel Maersk Montana were sent to his aid. His medical condition was evaluated and no injuries were reported.

Coast Guard public affairs specialist Mark Barney spoke about the rescue:

"Part of his effort was to make world peace but he got caught up in the Gulf Stream. The chances of muscling out of the Gulf Stream were pretty low."

The optimist in us, of course, looks forward to the day when the Gulf Stream no longer stands in the way of world peace.

[image via AP]