YouTuber Arrested After Unsafe Landing on North Sentinel Island

Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old YouTuber with a history of controversial stunts, undertook a perilous journey to North Sentinel Island, known for its hostile inhabitants, to offer a coconut and a Diet Coke as gifts to the isolated Sentinelese tribe. Sailing 25 miles in an inflatable dinghy, he arrived at the island early on March 29, where he attempted to attract the tribe's attention by blowing a whistle for an hour before briefly stepping onto the shore to leave his offerings. Polyakov's actions drew significant criticism due to the risks posed to both himself and the vulnerable tribe, which is protected by Indian law prohibiting contact with outsiders. Authorities noted that his trip appeared meticulously planned, as he had previously made unauthorized visits and had researched sea conditions. Upon returning to the mainland, local fishermen alerted police, leading to his arrest. His reckless behavior highlights ongoing concerns about the protection of isolated indigenous groups from external threats and diseases.