For many years, this column ran stories about Rimas Meleshyus, Astoria’s wayward aspiring around-the-world Russian sailor and Kon-Tiki drifter (who never learned how to sail). No matter how many times he wrecked a sailboat somewhere out there on the Pacific, his benefactor would retrieve him and give him another boat, so Rimas could have one more shot to live his dream.

One of his last voyages ended with his being rescued at sea, starving, from his badly damaged boat by some Vietnamese fishermen. Destitute, he was taken in by a homeless shelter in Vietnam, but couldn’t come back to the United States because he had not renewed his visa. Rescued once again, he dropped out of sight in 2019. A 2018 YouTube channel remains of his stories at bit.ly/rimas2018.

In May 2024, an article on meganoticias.cl appeared with the headline: “The incredible story of a Russian castaway ‘trapped’ in Chile: He has been sleeping at Punta Arenas airport for 10 days.” Yes, he had wrecked yet another boat, was rescued by a French liner, and was taken to Chile. Undaunted he planned to sail (again), despite little money, and having lost his papers (again), he really was “trapped” in Chile.

Ever resourceful, that hurdle has been cleared, as he has popped up on the beaches of Brazil with his own YouTube channel at youtube.com/@RimasMeleshyus. His musings and memories are captured, and the scenery is amazing. Think of it as a Brazil travelogue with a Russian accent. (Photo: Rimas Meleshyus)