Diet Coke and Arrest: YouTuber’s Wild Island Adventure Goes Wrong – An American YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, has been arrested after illegally visiting North Sentinel Island, part of India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and leaving a can of Diet Coke as an offering to the indigenous Sentinelese tribe. The arrest follows a meticulously planned trip, during which Polyakov sailed to the remote island in an inflatable boat, a journey he had researched thoroughly in advance.
On March 29, 2025, Polyakov reached the island after hours of navigating rough seas. Once ashore, he left behind a can of Diet Coke, a coconut, and collected sand samples while filming the experience. Though no members of the tribe were visible, the YouTuber spent about an hour near the shore before heading back to his boat.
However, his actions were reported by local fishermen, leading to his arrest by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Port Blair. Authorities seized his boat, motor, and GoPro camera, which contained footage of the unauthorized visit.
Polyakov now faces legal action for violating Indian laws that protect the Sentinelese tribe, which is one of the last known uncontacted groups in the world. These laws are designed to protect the tribe from outside influence and diseases to which they have no immunity. This is not the first time that outsiders have risked contact with the tribe—previous attempts, including the tragic 2018 death of American missionary John Allen Chau, have shown the dangers of such interactions.
The incident has sparked criticism from indigenous rights groups. Survival International condemned Polyakov’s actions, warning of the risks of introducing diseases and disrupting the tribe’s way of life. His visit also raises ongoing concerns about irresponsible tourism and the ethical implications of filming such encounters for social media.
This arrest highlights the ongoing need to protect isolated communities from external contamination and exploitation, especially in the digital age, where influencers are increasingly putting themselves in danger—and sometimes others—by seeking viral content at any cost. Polyakov remains in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities pledging to hold him accountable for his actions.
This case adds to the growing debate on the role of social media influencers in engaging with vulnerable communities, urging stricter regulations and awareness about respecting indigenous territories and cultures.
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