Mykhailo Polyakov reportedly sailed 25 miles to the remote island before entering a notorious tribe’s area – and leaving a can of Coke and coconuts behind as an offering
An American tourist has been arrested after allegedly travelling to a remote Indian Ocean island and leaving behind a can of Coke for the world’s most isolated tribe to try.
Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov faces charges for visiting North Sentinel Island without permission and leaving behind the drink and coconut as “offerings” to the tribe. The 24-year-old arrived in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on March 26 and set out three days later for the forbidden North Sentinel Island.
On March 29, he made the 25-mile journey from Kurma Dera Beach to the island in a makeshift craft armed with binoculars and a whistle. He reached the northeastern shore around 10am and began signalling to draw attention from the isolated tribe. Spending about an hour on his inflatable boat, Polyakov blew the whistle repeatedly but received no response.
He then decided to land on the island for five minutes, during which he recorded a video, collected samples, and left a can of Coke and coconut as gifts for the Sentinelese tribe. His actions sparked alarm, as the islanders are known for their hostility toward outsiders, and approaching them is strictly prohibited by Indian authorities.
The Sentinelese tribe, which inhabits North Sentinel Island, is considered one of the most isolated and vulnerable groups in the world. They have a history of aggression towards those who attempt to contact them, and the Indian government has long prohibited visitors from entering their territory. The measure is in place to protect the tribe from outside diseases, which could decimate their population, as they have no immunity to common illnesses like measles or the flu.
Polyakov’s journey, according to police, appeared to be planned. He reportedly studied sea conditions, tides, and potential landing points before attempting to reach the island. After spending about five minutes on the restricted shore, he returned to Kurma Dera Beach around 7pm, where local fishermen spotted him and alerted authorities.
Upon his return, police arrested Polyakov and seized his boat, an outboard motor, and a GoPro camera containing footage of his landing. Investigators are now questioning hotel staff in Port Blair to determine his movements in the region. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ Director General of Police confirmed the arrest. The incident has sparked outrage from indigenous rights groups.
Caroline Pearce, the director of Survival International, condemned Polyakov’s actions as reckless and dangerous. She said the risk he posed not only to his safety but also to the lives of the Sentinelese tribe. “Uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases,” Pearce said. “What this man did is irresponsible, putting an entire group of people at risk of being wiped out.”
Polyakov’s attempt to contact the Sentinelese echoes how, in November 2018, American missionary John Chau was killed by the tribe after repeatedly attempting to reach them. Chau, who had been attempting to preach Christianity to the tribe, was met with hostility and ultimately shot with arrows as he approached the island.
His body was later reported to have been dragged away by the tribe, and despite attempts by the Indian government to retrieve it, it remains on the island.
