NEW YORK- September 4, 2014 – On September 3rd, Victor Mooney of New York departed the British Virgin Islands (BVI) in his 24-foot boat, “Spirit of Malabo,” in the hopes of completing a transatlantic row from the coast of Africa to New York. This journey marks Mooney’s fourth and final attempt at the Goree Challenge to raise AIDS awareness and encourage voluntary HIV testing in honor of his late brother who died from AIDS in 1983.

The first leg of Mooney’s expedition abruptly ended in St. Martin when violent currents overpowered his boat, alarming St. Martin rescue vessels. The rescue mission concluded after a 128-day ordeal in which Mooney faced a distressing shark encounter, as well as an 80-pound weight loss. On August 18th, after gaining strength and supplies in St. Martin through an outpouring of humanitarian support, Mooney set out toward the BVI. Only two days later, he suffered a cracked oar and damaged rowing seat due to turbulent currents caused by a tropical storm, requiring him to alert officials for towing assistance to shore. Upon arrival, Mooney was welcomed by local officials and the British Virgin Island Tourism Board, who helped coordinate his transportation, lodging at Scrub Island Resort Spa & Marina and Nanny Cay, as well as meals for the duration of his two-week stay. While there, he was invited to speak to students at H. L. Stoutt Community College about his plight and the importance of never giving up.

“Despite all obstacles, I am adamant about continuing this mission in my brother’s honor,” said Mooney. “There have been quite a few hurdles along the way, but I refuse to let them hold me back. With the incredible support and generosity that I’ve received, I have faith that I will finally complete the journey that has taken nearly a decade of my life.”

To document the daunting 5,000-mile row, Mooney will be communicating via Twitter (@goreechallenge) and Facebook.

The Goree Challenge has also been made possible with support Mooney’s friends and family, Lloyd Tackling, (U.S. Consul Warden, St. Martin, St. Barth & Anguilla) GlobeComm Maritime, TNT Express, Electec and Custom Fit Marine, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Nanny Cay, Durham Boat Company, Inc., as well as his official Goree Challenge sponsors including, Rubenstein Public Relations, The Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Island Water World, Bel Air Beach Hotel and Sonesta Maho Beach Resort and Casino.