Two former Royal Marines fend off gun-wielding 'pirates' with only their paddles during Amazon River adventure

Two former Royal Marine Commandos had a lucky escape after grappling with gun-wielding 'pirates' while navigating the length of the Amazon River by canoe.

John Bathgate and Ian Roberts were attempting to travel 3,186 miles when they were attacked by pirates close to the Colombian border and John was shot during the attack.

The daring duo managed to overpower the two armed gunmen with nothing but their rowing oars.

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Sharing an update on their progress on social media, Mr Bathgate and Mr Roberts explained how the terrifying ordeal unfolded and how they managed to overwhelm the assailants.

"Unfortunately, we've had to postpone Amazon Summit to Sea. Last week, in a remote part of the river, close to the Colombian border, we were attacked by two pirates.

"In a fight where we used paddles against pistols, we fought them, disarmed them, disabled their craft, and then managed to get ourselves and our equipment to safety.

"Unfortunately, John sustained two gunshot wounds during the fight, but due to Ian's care and our bootneck attitude, he was comfortable and stable by the time the cavalry arrived...

"The Peruvian and Brazilian Navy and Marines arrived with an armada of support and whisked us back to Iquitos, showing incredible care and professionalism."

The post continued: "The quick actions of friends in Iquitos, family in the UK, and Garmin emergency response meant that we received the highest of care, and the ordeal didn't develop into a life-threatening situation."

Despite the setback and confirming their safe return back to the UK, the heroic pair have said they intend to complete the remainder of the journey within 12 months.

"We are now on our way back to the UK. However, we intend to return within 12 months and finish what we started. This minor hiccup certainly won't keep us from finishing, and the actions of two individuals do not define Peru, a country whose people we have grown to love.

"We'll continue to give updates on our preparations to return. Watch this space," they said.

Mr Bathgate and Mr Roberts were attempting a world first – to navigate the Amazon River from its highest point, Volcán Chimborazo in Ecuador, across the South American continent, to the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of Brazil.

According to Summit to Sea Charity website, the two former commandos are also hoping to raise awareness for environmental issues and emphasise the connection between mental health and spending time outdoors.

At the time of writing, the pair had raised £4,850 of their £20,000 target via their JustGiving page.

RMA – the Royal Marines Charity, said it had been in touch with the Summit to Sea team to offer its support to the former Royal Marines and "adventure junkies".

The charity said the former RM Commandos, "with green lids and green minds", were not only raising awareness for environmental issues but also fundraising for three charities, including RMA – The Royal Marines Charity.

Caroline Casey, director of fundraising and communications with RMA – The Royal Marines Charity, said: "Our thoughts are with John and Ian and their families as they recover from such a life-threatening ordeal.

"Everyone in our team was naturally shocked to learn about the horrific incident but incredibly relieved to hear that – in true Bootneck style – their commando training kicked in and they were able to so effectively disable and overpower the pirates, and escape with their lives. 

"The charity is continually in awe of the sheer grit and determination of all of our fantastic fundraisers and of the huge variety of personal challenges that they choose to undertake in support of the corps family.

"John and Ian have done magnificently well to have gone so far already against incredible odds and, even if they don't return as now planned to finish the challenge they started, we are all incredibly proud of what they've already achieved."