**Scottish Siblings Embark on Epic Pacific Challenge, Inspire Hollywood Star Mark Wahlberg**
Three intrepid Scottish brothers, Ewan, Jamie and Lachlan Maclean, currently attempting to row across the Pacific Ocean, have received a surprise morale boost from Hollywood hardman Mark Wahlberg. The Hollywood A-lister reached out to the trio with an unexpected video call nearly two months into their monumental quest, expressing awe at their determination and even suggesting that their adventure “could be turned into a film”.
The Maclean siblings set out to become the fastest team to row 9,000 miles non-stop and unsupported, charting a perilous course from Lima in Peru to the city of Sydney, Australia. This formidable expedition not only puts their stamina and teamwork to the test but also aims to raise an impressive £1 million for clean water projects in Madagascar, enhancing both the symbolic and tangible impact of their efforts.
During the video exchange, Wahlberg, best known for his roles in films such as *The Perfect Storm*, commended the brothers for their resilience in the face of adversity. He praised the physical and psychological hardship they have endured so far, noting, “You’re doing something nobody else would even think of.” He went on to state that the feat would make a compelling subject for a film adaptation, highlighting Hollywood’s penchant for dramatising true stories of human triumph.
The actor’s words seemed to strike a chord with Ewan Maclean, who described the encounter as “the most surreal situation I’ve ever been in”, while Lachlan jested about their sleep deprivation, admitting he thought the call might have been a hallucination brought on by exhaustion. The siblings have been battling constant challenges, including biting salt sores, unforgiving ocean conditions, and persistent equipment failures, over the previous seven weeks at sea.
Wahlberg emphasised the brothers’ unyielding grit and sense of mission, remarking that their willingness to sacrifice comfort and undertake such an ordeal for the benefit of others was “humbling” and something that deserved global recognition. He cheekily offered to “play one of you in a film,” before promising the trio a celebratory meal at one of his Sydney or Gold Coast restaurants upon their arrival.
Speaking candidly about their journey, Ewan confessed that reality at sea has been far tougher than anticipated. Nevertheless, he recounted moments of joy, such as a recent encounter with dolphins swimming playfully alongside their 28-foot carbon fibre rowing boat, Rose Emily—named in memory of their late sister—which helped lift their spirits during darker days.
The actor, who has business interests in Australia, quipped about the brothers’ exposure to far more sunlight than they would usually enjoy in Scotland. He told them, “You’re doing your country proud.” Wahlberg’s ongoing encouragement served to underscore the international attention their record attempt has attracted, placing Scotland’s sporting adventure on a global stage.
Looking ahead, the Macleans expect their trans-Pacific trial to last in excess of 100 days. Their progress can be tracked by supporters via their website, where donations to their chosen charity are also being collected. The brothers’ journey is as much about pushing the limits of human endurance as it is about generosity and legacy.
With the world watching and Hollywood’s interest piqued, the Maclean brothers’ quest continues to captivate, serving as a potent reminder of the extraordinary feats ordinary people are capable of achieving, especially when fuelled by a genuine desire to change lives. Should their story ever reach the silver screen, it would be a tale of tenacity, family, and hope—reflected not just in their journey, but in the cause they so passionately champion.