Brothers Complete Daring Trans-Atlantic Voyage in Tiny Open Fishing Boat Without a Cabin or Keel

    TAMPA, FL, September 18, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Two Florida brothers, Ralph and Robert Brown, have successfully completed their heroic journey across the Atlantic in their humble flats boat. The 8,300 mile trip, called the I am Second Wounded Hero Voyage Crossing the Atlantic presented by Interstate Batteries, began June 27 and included more than 20 stops along the Northern Atlantic coasts from Tampa, Fla. up through Canada, Greenland and Iceland on their way to Frankfurt, Germany. As the brothers reflect on their mission to raise funds and awareness for wounded hero charities, supporters are called to remember fallen and wounded heroes by joining their team.

Despite dangerously high waves, powerful winds, sharp icebergs, fuel shortages and sharks, the brothers were able to break three world records during their voyage. The 21-foot flats boat, the Intruder 21, is the smallest powerboat to cross the Atlantic and holds the record for the longest ocean voyage in a flats boat and the first flats boat to cross the Atlantic.

"This trip hasn't been easy, but with support of our family, friends and people we've met along the way, we've been able to accomplish this monumental voyage," said Ralph Brown. "When I Am Second and Interstate Batteries came on board as sponsors we knew our dream would evolve into a reality."

In completion of their trip, the brothers were given a dignitaries tour of the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center (LRMC), the largest American hospital outside of the continental United States and the only American tertiary hospital in Europe. The opportunity to meet men and women who inspired the voyage was a great reward for the Browns after their challenging journey.

To fulfill a 29-year promise, U.S. Marine veteran Ralph Brown began this voyage in June 2009 in remembrance of three fallen comrades (Sgt. John D. Harvey, Cpl. George N. Holmes Jr. and Staff Sgt. Dewey L. Johnson) who died in his place on a 1980 mission to rescue the embassy hostages in Iran. To pay tribute, the brothers decided to raise money for multiple fallen hero organizations. Their journey through rough waters and turbulent storms, refusing rescue, inspired national and international support and the brothers hope their story will encourage others to join their cause.

Working toward a goal to raise $3 million, the brothers seek to add 150,000 team members to their team in support of the USO, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Wounded Warrior Project, Wounded Warrior Regiment, Wounded Warriors In Action, Military Ministry, Help for Heroes (Britain) and a Canadian organization to be determined. For a $30 donation, supporters will become honorary "team members" and receive a "Do More Than Just Say Thanks" t-shirt. Additional sponsors may help cover accrued voyage expenses and join title sponsors I am Second and Interstate Batteries and others sponsors like The Icelandic Seafood Group, Benco Insurance Planners, Suzuki Motor Corporation and many other individuals and groups.

Website: http://www.crosstheatlantic.com

Media Contacts:
For the Browns or sponsors other than I am Second
Lauren Jones-McClain or Michelle Huff
(214) 379-7000
[email protected]
[email protected]

For I am Second:
Jodi Phillip and Steve Yount
(972) 267-1111
[email protected]
[email protected]

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