After a long career in the Navy and as a master electrician, Chuck decided to pursue his lifelong dream of sailing the world. He spent his life savings on the 35-foot “Trude Zena” and set course for New Zealand.

Upon arriving in the Mediterranean Sea, Chuck decided to make a quick detour and explore the Black Sea before navigating the Suez Canal. On June 17, 2025, almost immediately upon entering the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian Navy intercepted Chuck in international waters.

Chuck texted his sister during the incident and said he was directed to follow the Russian Navy under threat of military force. He was escorted for approximately 22 hours before ultimately reaching the Russian port of Sochi. That travel time and trajectory definitely substantiate that Chuck was illegally confronted in international waters.

Upon arrival in Sochi, Chuck voluntarily declared a firearm onboard his boat for self-protection — a common practice by sailors traversing the globe. Chuck willingly surrendered the firearm upon request.

He was arrested on arms smuggling charges and has since been sentenced to five years of imprisonment.