American teen pilot detained in Antarctica while raising money for cancer on solo trip

The young pilot, Ethan Guo, set out in his small plane to become the youngest person to fly solo across the world.

Guo was detained by Chilean authorities in Antarctica, The Associated Press (AP) reported. 

He was authorized to fly only over Punta Arenas, Chile, according to prosecutors, as AP reported, but Guo continued going south. 

By his own choice, Guo has been staying at a Chilean territory military base, since he's been unable to get a flight out due to weather conditions, according to AP.

The Chilean territory covers a region in West Antarctica as well as nearby islands, according to The Oxford Science Park.

In its 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. State Department examined whether Chile engages in prolonged detention without charges.

"The constitution prohibited arbitrary arrest and detention and provided for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of their arrest or detention in court," the report stated. "The government generally observed these requirements."

Guo must also leave Antarctica as soon as he can and is prohibited from returning to Chilean territory for three years.

He told AP via text message that he was relieved by the case's outcome. 

Bryan Stern of Gray Bull Rescue, a nonprofit focused on saving lives in some of the world's most dangerous places, told Fox News Digital, "Just like in America, both sides need to be emotionally ready to settle."

He also said, "Bottom line is, the kid broke the law, and an arrangement and negotiation that is amicable for everybody while respecting the sovereignty of a country must occur."

Stern also said travelers should not go to "high-risk" destinations.

The spokesperson also said, "We generally do not share information with the media about private U.S. citizens absent their written consent."

The Associated Press contributed reporting.