The Mission Spiritus team has officially arrived in Oman, marking the start of the second chapter in their seven-part global mission. This 26-day expedition through the Empty Quarter, the largest sand desert in the world, is a crucial step in advancing environmental research and raising awareness about micro and nanoplastics in remote environments.
Arrival in Salalah
The team, led by Alan Chambers MBE, touched down in Salalah, Oman, filled with anticipation for the journey ahead. Joining him for the initial phases of the expedition are fellow team members Billy Perham and David Segel, each bringing their expertise, resilience, and commitment to the mission. Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard will join the expedition later during Phase 4.
Salalah provided a vibrant backdrop as the team came together to finalise the details of their ambitious expedition. This marked the culmination of months of planning, with excitement building as they prepared to step into one of the harshest environments on Earth.
Preparing for the Desert Journey
In Salalah, the team focused on meticulous preparations. Final gear checks, supply organisation, and technical reviews were all carried out to ensure readiness for the intense challenges ahead. The Empty Quarter promises to test their resilience, with temperatures reaching 40°C, unpredictable sandstorms, and the vast, rugged terrain demanding precision and endurance.
Preparation for this journey began well before arrival. In December, team member Billy Perham undertook a trial run in Oman, hosted by the experts at Outward Bound Oman. Mohamd Zadjali, Hussain Al Hassni, and Yousuf played key roles in equipping the team with vital desert navigation and survival knowledge, ensuring they are well-prepared for what lies ahead.
Expedition Overview
The Oman Expedition is divided into four key phases, with a scheduled rest period to ensure the team’s well-being:
- Phase 1 (6 – 12 Jan): Al Hasham to Muqhshin (240km) on foot, covering approximately 35km per day. The team will collect sand samples every 20km and use a drone to capture aerial media.
- Rest Period (12 – 14 Jan): A full day of rest at a camp in Muqhshin on 13 Jan.
- Phase 2 (14 – 18 Jan): Muqhshin to Sahmah (130km) on foot, covering 26km per day. Sand samples will be collected every 20km along the route.
- Phase 3 (19 – 20 Jan): Sahmah to Jahed Beach (420km) by vehicle, averaging 210km per day. Sand samples will continue to be collected every 20km. During this phase, Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard will join the team in Muscat and prepare to participate in Phase 4.
- Phase 4 (21 – 26 Jan): Jahed Beach to the OBO Desert Centre (140km) by camel, with sand samples collected every 20km.
This structured approach ensures the team can achieve their research objectives while adapting to the harsh environment of the Empty Quarter.
Expedition Briefing
A comprehensive briefing in Salalah brought together the team’s planning and strategy. From sand sample collection protocols to emergency procedures and communication strategies, no detail was overlooked. The team also reviewed weather forecasts, which predict dry conditions throughout the expedition but warn of high winds and sandstorms in the coming days.
This briefing solidified the team’s focus and set the tone for the journey, ensuring everyone was aligned and prepared for the challenges to come.
Looking Ahead
With preparations complete, the team is ready to embark on the next phase of the expedition. The journey will begin with a four-hour infill trip into the Empty Quarter, where the real challenges of the mission will unfold.
Follow the Journey
This blog is the first of five in our series covering highlights of the Oman Expedition. Upcoming blogs will document each phase of the journey, providing insights into the challenges, progress, and discoveries along the way.
For more regular updates, follow Mission Spiritus on Instagram and LinkedIn, where we’ll share on-the-ground progress, images, and stories from the team as they take on this extraordinary expedition.
You can learn more about Mission Spiritus Oman here.
