British Women Make History Rowing Pacific Ocean Non-Stop

British Women Make History Rowing Pacific Ocean Non-Stop
Above: Jess Rowe (L) and Miriam Payne approach Australia's Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea on Oct. 17, 2025. Image copyright: Brian Cassey/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

These women just proved that extraordinary human achievement comes from pure determination. Facing broken rudders, failed electronics and salt sores, they improvised solutions like using underwear as water filters and still completed their historic 8,000-mile Pacific crossing. Facing blistering heat, equipment failures and relentless waves, their unbreakable spirit raised £86,000 for youth empowerment, inspiring global audiences with raw resilience and gender-defying grit. This incredible feat shows what's possible when people refuse to give up on their dreams.

Narrative B

This Pacific crossing highlights the dangerous reality of inadequate preparation and reckless risk-taking disguised as achievement. Running a 'ghost ship' with no navigation equipment, relying on failed solar systems and jury-rigged repairs shows poor planning that endangered lives. Real accomplishment requires proper preparation, not just stubborn persistence through preventable disasters. While they fundraise modestly, this stunt glorifies danger over substance, endangering lives for fleeting fame in a warming ocean.


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© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.17.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.17.0