Youngest woman to row from California to Hawaii gets shock visit in the middle of the ocean

A woman attempting to become the first American woman to row solo across the mid-Pacific got an emotional birthday surprise she never saw coming — an entire US Coast Guard crew serenading her with “Happy Birthday” in the middle of the ocean.Kelsey Pfendler was on the 41 day of her journey on the open water when a Coast Guard cutter pulled alongside her tiny rowing boat during her 2,500-mile journey from California to Hawaii.Pfendler, who has been documenting the entire journey on TikTok, posted a video of the whole crew bursting out in a chorus of “Happy Birthday.”“This is so cool,” Pfendler said after the crew wished her a happy birthday.

“This is so special for me.”California Post News: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, WhatsApp, LinkedInCalifornia Post Sports Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, XCalifornia Post Opinion California Post Newsletters: Sign up here!California Post App: Download here!Home delivery: Sign up here!Page Six Hollywood: Sign up here!Pfendler launched her ambitious expedition from Monterey Harbor at 6 a.m.on May 21, setting out alone to row to O’ahu, Hawaii.

The voyage was expected to take up to 90 days.The chance encounter was just as memorable for the Coast Guard crew.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for us, truly,” one crew member told Kelsey over the radio.“It’s not as exciting as crossing the ocean.” California's top news, sports and entertainment delivered to your inbox every day.

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Never miss a story Brendan, the cutter’s skipper, praised the remarkable feat.“We’re really excited to see you here,” he said.

“I think it’s an incredible way to show how impressive the human body is.”For Pfendler, spending her birthday alone at sea wasn’t unexpected.“Not this last year, but the year before my 30th birthday, I was essent...