Ash Dykes Missing: Team Raises Concern After 16 Hours Without Contact During Congo Expedition

Welsh adventurer Ash Dykes has prompted concern among followers after his support team reported going more than 16 hours without contact with him and his crew during an expedition through the Congo Basin.

According to an update shared by his team on October 21, 2026, communication had not been re-established with the group, which was travelling along the remote Sangha River in Central Africa. The team described the silence as concerning and said it would provide further information when available.

“It’s been more than 16 hours since we last heard from Ash and the team which is concerning,” the statement said.

The message did not establish why contact had been lost or confirm that an emergency had occurred. As of the reported update, the circumstances surrounding the communication gap remained unclear.

Ash Dykes’ Congo River Expedition

Dykes began the planned journey on October 8, setting out to travel approximately 434 miles, or 700 kilometres, along the Sangha River by inflatable kayak. The route runs from Nola in the Central African Republic towards Mossaka in the Republic of the Congo.

The expedition is part of Project 6, a series of six major adventures planned across 12 months. Dykes is travelling with a local guide and a videographer while documenting the journey for his online audience.

The remote rainforest environment presents significant challenges, including difficult river conditions, wildlife encounters and the risk of tropical illnesses. Limited communications in isolated areas may also make it difficult to maintain regular contact.

Dykes is an experienced explorer who has previously undertaken major expeditions in Mongolia, Madagascar and China. His current journey, however, has drawn renewed attention following the team’s announcement that it had not heard from the group for an extended period.

Further Updates Awaited

The team said it would share additional information when it became available. Until a further statement is released, there is no confirmed information establishing the group’s exact whereabouts or whether they require assistance.

Supporters and followers are awaiting news of Dykes and his companions as attention remains focused on the expedition.

Disclaimer: This report reflects information available in the October 21, 2026, update. The loss of contact was reported by the support team, but an emergency, injury or death has not been confirmed by the information cited here.