Scientist aims to cross the Pacific on a boat made of reeds American biologist Phil Buck is preparing to launch an exceptional adventure, hoping to reach Australia from Chile on a boat made of reeds and constructed by members of the Aymara community in Bolivia. The craft, about 18 meters long and named after the Incan creator god Viracocha, has been under construction for several weeks in central La Paz. The goal: to demonstrate that ancient seafarers were able to have an influence on migration, traversing the oceans in traditional boats. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES