Naked Adventurer Keith Whelan arrived in Bunbury today after being rescued off the Geraldton Coast – and asked Big Fish Media & Events to manage the media and public relations.

Keith was attempting to become the youngest man and first Irishman to row solo 6000km across the Indian Ocean to Mauritius, at the same time raising money for Keep A Child Alive Charity which provides anti-retroviral treatment for children suffering from AIDS in Africa.

He was forced to abandon his attempt after he was hit by a large wave and cut his head open inside the cabin. He was later rescued by a Japanese cargo ship en route to Bunbury. He was brought to Bunbury today by volunteers from Bunbury Sea Rescue.

At a press conference in Bunbury today, he explained to journalists that all ocean rowers rowed naked to avoid sores and chafing from salt which built up over time on clothes – but was fully clothed when rescued!

Keith said it was a long-held dream to make the journey and he was “gutted” that he had failed on his first attempt. He said that he had taken all safety precautions and his trip was fully insured in the event of a rescue being needed. The rescue by the ship earlier in the week had not incurred any costs.

“I am a risk taker and risking your life to achieve a dream is the biggest risk you can take,” he said. “Some might say it’s foolish but to my mind it is only foolish if you don’t know the risks and you don’t prepare for them and train for every possible scenario.

“I guess I want to be able to look back on my life in years to come and have accomplished things which I am proud of. I am no different from everyone else in that respect. Granted my ambitions may be at the more extreme end but for me that makes them all the more worthwhile.”

Keith is unable to continue his journey after his boat was damaged when it was loaded onto the Japanese cargo ship in large swells.

While he has not ruled out another attempt at crossing the Indian Ocean, Keith said he needed to talk to his sponsors and supporters before making a decision.