'Idiot' US tourist who risked wiping out entire uncontacted tribe with a can of Coke faces FIVE YEARS in jail for his stunt

American Tourist Detained for Illegally Entering North Sentinel Island, Endangering Uncontacted Tribe

An American citizen described as a “danger tourist” faces potential imprisonment for trespassing on North Sentinel Island, a prohibited zone, and potentially exposing an isolated indigenous population to harm. Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, 24, is accused of venturing onto the island, home to the protected Sentinelese tribe, and leaving gifts for the inhabitants, prompting concerns about the tribe’s vulnerability to external diseases.

Illegal Landing and Arrest

Polyakov, from Arizona, reportedly trespassed onto the restricted shores of North Sentinel Island, part of the Andaman Islands archipelago, on Saturday morning. He allegedly carried a coconut and a soft drink as offerings, intending to make contact with the Sentinelese people. He was apprehended late Monday, approximately two days after his unauthorized landing. Subsequently presented in local court, Polyakov is currently in police custody for interrogation.

Authorities confiscated a GoPro camera from Polyakov, a self-proclaimed travel influencer, which purportedly captured footage of his approach toward the strictly off-limits island.

In the recording, Polyakov is quoted expressing anticipation and uncertainty: “That is it. The last uncontacted tribe. The last mystery. If they see me, will they attack? Or will they accept me?”

Potential Prison Sentence

The Director General of Andaman and Nicobar Police stated that Polyakov could face a prison term of three to five years if convicted of violating the law that strictly forbids unauthorized access to areas inhabited by protected tribes on North Sentinel Island.

Indian law enforcement is pursuing legal action against any local individuals who may have assisted Polyakov’s attempt to reach the island and are working to identify potential accomplices.

Motive Under Investigation

While the precise motivation behind his journey remains under scrutiny, reports from The Times of India indicate that Polyakov described himself to police as a “thrill seeker” during questioning.

Polyakov, known for previous controversial expeditions, including a visit to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan last year, actively documents his travels on YouTube under the moniker “Neo-Orientalist.” This username alludes to the critical concept of Western stereotypes and negative portrayals of the Islamic world.

Timeline of Events Leading to Arrest

According to the official police report detailing Polyakov’s arrest, he arrived in Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on March 26.

Police reports state that on March 28, he “ventured into the sea without informing authorities” and returned the following day “without a clear explanation.”

The report further indicates, “A review of his GoPro footage suggested possible entry into the restricted North Sentinel Island. His recordings showed him claiming unofficial representation of the US and landing on North Sentinel Island.”

Investigators believe he utilized a grey inflatable boat to navigate approximately 25 miles from Kurma Dera Beach to North Sentinel Island on March 29.

Setting off for the prohibited area around 1:00 AM, he carried a coconut and a Diet Coke as “offerings” for the Sentinelese. He reached the northeastern coast of North Sentinel Island around 10:00 AM, according to the police report.

Polyakov reportedly surveyed the area using binoculars and used a whistle for approximately an hour from the shore to attempt to gain the tribe’s attention before going ashore.

An official stated, “He landed briefly for about five minutes, left the offerings on the shore, collected sand samples, and recorded a video before returning to his boat.”

“A review of his GoPro camera footage showed his entry and landing into the restricted North Sentinel Island.”

“At 1 PM he began his return journey, reaching Kurma Dera Beach by 7 PM, where local fishermen spotted him.”

Following his arrest, authorities confiscated items from his hotel room at The Andaman Sunset View hotel, including fuel, binoculars, his GoPro camera, and a life jacket.

Prior Attempts and Related Incidents

Police reports indicate that Polyakov had previously visited the region twice in October of the prior year, with intentions to reach North Sentinel Island using an inflatable kayak, but was prevented by hotel staff.

He returned again in January of the current year, visiting the Baratang Islands and engaging in the “illegal videography of the Jarawa tribe.”

“Columbus Day Teaser” Post

Approximately five months prior, Polyakov appeared to hint at his North Sentinel Island visit by posting a cartoon image of an adventurer, reminiscent of Tintin, with a dog, sailing towards a remote island.

The caption read: “A little Columbus day teaser for the fans.”

Commentators were quick to draw parallels between the post and his current predicament after his arrest for entering the prohibited tribal reserve inhabited by the Sentinelese tribe.

One comment described the image as “disturbing,” while another stated, “This shows premeditated evidence for the crime you just got arrested for. Top tier brain activity.”

YouTube Content and Afghanistan Trip

Polyakov’s YouTube channel, with nearly 400 subscribers, features a series of six 30-minute videos from September documenting his visit to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.

The footage chronicles his three-week journey, showcasing him walking through streets, “enjoying tea with locals,” examining Soviet-era military vehicles, and interacting with Taliban members.

One video segment depicts a Taliban member handing him an assault weapon and draping an ammunition belt around his neck. Polyakov can be heard saying “yes” as he holds the weapon and fires a shot in a subsequent clip.

In a description of the series, he wrote: “In this series, I take a three-week road trip across what has become the unrecognized Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan following the chaotic US withdrawal in 2021 and the rapid takeover of the country by the Taliban.”

He further noted, “Recognized as a terrorist group by many countries, the Taliban maintain a strict theocratic regime in which music, dancing, women’s education, being clean shaven, using birth control, and even the depiction of faces are forbidden.”

He concludes by encouraging viewers: “Join me as I navigate one of the most dangerous and unquestionably the most conservative country in the world. Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe for more!”

Another video clip shows him getting a haircut for $2, remarking, “Just got a fresh cut. Looking extra crispy today.”

He added, “Great thing it cost only $2 and unlike in America where they flip a tablet and demand 30 percent above the price which is always great,” before mentioning receiving complimentary lipstick.

Other videos show him exploring an abandoned US military base, including a sandbagged bunker with bullet holes and shrapnel damage, questioning, “how much did we leave behind?” while filming destroyed military vehicles.

In a seemingly reckless manner unaware to potential dangers, he also posted a video titled “Road Rage Afghan Edition,” alleging a “traffic dispute ends in gunfire.”

Protection of the Sentinelese and Island Restrictions

All outsiders, including Indian citizens and foreigners, are prohibited from approaching within three miles of North Sentinel Island. This restricted zone is enforced to safeguard the Sentinelese population, estimated to be around 150 individuals, from exposure to external illnesses and to protect their unique way of life.

The Sentinelese tribe is considered exceptionally vulnerable and is known to be hostile towards outsiders, having reportedly attacked most who have entered their territory.

Police investigators believe Polyakov’s journey to the restricted area was meticulously planned, suggesting that he studied sea conditions, tides, and access points prior to his attempt.

Investigators are also trying to determine Polyakov’s other locations visited during his stay in the region and are questioning hotel personnel in Port Blair.

A regional police director general told The Press Trust of India, “We are getting more details about him and his intention to visit the reserved tribal area.”

The US Embassy, the Ministry of External Affairs, and the Home Department have been notified of his arrest. Media outlets have reached out to police and the US Embassy in India for comments.

Indigenous Rights Group Condemns Actions

Caroline Pearce, director of the indigenous rights organization Survival International, condemned Polyakov’s attempt to visit the island as “reckless and idiotic.”

She stated, “This person’s actions not only endangered his own life, they put the lives of the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk.”

“It’s very well known by now that uncontacted peoples have no immunity to common outside diseases like flu or measles, which could completely wipe them out.”

“It’s good news that the man in this latest incident has been arrested, but deeply disturbing that he was reportedly able to get onto the island in the first place.”

Pearce added, “The Indian authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure that the Sentinelese are safe from missionaries, social media influencers, people fishing illegally in their waters and anyone else who may try to make contact with them.”

Pearce also referenced the 2018 death of American missionary John Chau, murdered by the Sentinelese, highlighting the tribe’s clear desire to avoid external contact.

Past Incident: Death of Missionary John Chau

John Chau, 26, was killed by arrows upon arriving on North Sentinel Island in November 2018. He had persistently tried to reach the Sentinelese to proselytize about Christianity, despite knowing it was prohibited and dangerous.

Fishermen who assisted Chau’s passage reported that the tribe tied a rope around his neck and dragged his body away.

Chau’s body was not recovered, and no investigation was conducted due to Indian law prohibiting entry to the island.

John Chau’s Missionary Efforts

Chau underwent missionary training at All Nations International headquarters in Kansas City starting in October 2017 before embarking on his mission.

This group subscribes to the belief that spreading Christianity to “all nations” will precipitate the second coming of Jesus.

Chau had previously visited the Andaman Islands in 2015 and 2016, aiming to establish long-term relationships with tribes and potentially live among them to convert them.

For his 2018 visit, he enlisted a friend to hire fishermen for $325 to transport him to the island, also towing his kayak. His initial outreach attempt was on November 15.

Chau paddled to shore in his kayak, sending the fishermen’s boat back to avoid detection.

Undeterred by initial setbacks, he returned hours later, attempting to approach the beach with gifts like a football and fish for the Sentinelese.

He faced hostility again, being chased back to the surf and swimming to the waiting fishermen.

Despite the tribe’s evident opposition, he returned twice more, with the final attempt proving fatal.

Sentinelese Tribe: Isolation and Hostility

The Sentinelese, considered potentially the world’s last pre-Neolithic tribe, have historically shown hostility to outsiders. Their isolation has resulted in limited knowledge about them, including their self-designation.

Information available comes from observations from boats at a distance from tribesmen carrying spears, bows and arrows, or infrequent occasions when they allowed limited interaction to receive coconuts.

The Sentinelese gained international attention during the 2004 Asian tsunami, when a tribesman was photographed firing arrows at a helicopter conducting welfare checks.

North Sentinel Island remains off-limits even to the Indian navy to protect its isolated population of approximately 150.

Campaigns by non-profit organizations and local groups have led the Indian government to abandon attempts to establish contact with the Sentinelese.

Any contact with the tribe is illegal under Indian law, which also prohibits photographing or video recording aboriginal Andaman tribes, with penalties including imprisonment up to three years.

Survival International asserts that the Sentinelese have thrived for up to 55,000 years on their forested island, approximately the size of Manhattan.

Sentinelese women wear fiber strings around their waists, necks, and heads, while men wear similar necklaces and headbands, along with thicker waist belts.

Observations from a distance suggest they are healthy and thriving, with numerous children and pregnant women sometimes visible.

Lifestyle and Regional Importance

According to Survival International, the Sentinelese hunt and gather in the forest and fish in shallow coastal waters using narrow outrigger canoes propelled by poles, suitable only for shallow water.

India considers the Andaman and Nicobar Islands strategically important due to their location on key global shipping routes, closer to Myanmar than mainland India.

New Delhi plans significant investments, at least $9 billion, to expand naval and air bases, troop housing, port facilities, and infrastructure in the region.

The Andaman Islands also are home to the Jarawa tribe, numbering around 400, who also face threats from contact with outsiders, according to activists.

Tourists have previously attempted to bribe officials to interact with the Jarawa tribe.