Where was Ash Dykes? Explorer’s team reveals satellite contact update after more than 16 hours without news

Extreme adventurer Ash Dykes has given his supporters a reason to worry after his team went more than 16 hours without hearing from him during a demanding journey through the Congo Basin. The 35-year-old Welsh explorer is travelling hundreds of miles through remote waterways, where weak signals and failing equipment can make communication difficult. His support team has now confirmed contact through a satellite device, offering some relief. However, the lack of regular updates highlights the risks Dykes faces as he continues one of the most challenging expeditions of his career.Ash Dykes’ Congo Basin trek raises concerns after communication failureDykes is currently undertaking a 434-mile journey from Nola in the Central African Republic to Mossaka in the Republic of Congo. The route takes him through a remote region where access to reliable communication can be limited, leaving his support team dependent on satellite technology for updates.Concern grew on Wednesday, October 21, when a member of his team named Matt shared an update on Instagram. The message revealed that more than 16 hours had passed without contact.“ATTENTION. It’s been more than 16 hours since we last heard from Ash and the team which is concerning,” the message read. “We will endeavour to keep you posted and let you all know as soon as we hear more. Thank you.”The announcement quickly drew attention to the dangers of travelling through isolated waterways. In such areas, even a temporary loss of communication can leave families, supporters and expedition teams waiting for news without knowing what is happening on the ground.Around five hours after the initial warning, the team shared a more reassuring update. They had managed to hear from Dykes through his Garmin satellite device after his Starlink connection and power bank had run out.“There’s no way for them to send videos or updates, they can only send short messages whenever they get signal on the Garmin,” the Instagram message read.Although contact had been restored, the update made clear that regular video footage and detailed reports might remain unavailable until the team could recharge its equipment and regain a stronger connection.Ash Dykes faces major risks during Project Six expeditionThe Congo Basin journey forms part of Dykes’ wider Project Six mission, which consists of six expeditions. He has documented the physical demands and unexpected challenges of his travels through online videos, including encounters with large insects and the effort required to kayak long distances.For an explorer travelling through unfamiliar terrain, preparation is essential, but it cannot remove every risk. Equipment can fail, conditions can change quickly, and help may be far away.Dykes has previously acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with this kind of adventure. Speaking to People, he said, “There’s definitely the fear that anything can happen,” Dykes told People. “It is an adventure, and as experienced as I am, I can anticipate what might happen and try to understand, based on experience, how I usually react to those situations. I feel that I’ve got what it takes to bring us all back safe and alive.”His team's latest update offers some reassurance, but the expedition remains demanding. Supporters will likely be watching for further messages as Dykes continues his journey through the Congo Basin.You use AI every day. Now get your AI Quotient. Take the AIQ test.