Despite a heroic attempt, Alderney’s ‘Odyssey Squad’ relay swim team were forced to abandon their Cross Channel swim attempt as conditions worsened as they neared the British mainland.
Eight open water swimmers took on the mammoth challenge of swimming from Alderney’s northern coast to Swanage on England’s south coast this week.
They departed the most northerly part of the Bailiwick on Tuesday morning at 08.50, having been already delayed 24 hours by the weather.
They were expected to potentially finish the journey at 15.00 yesterday afternoon, having made good progress during the early part of their relay swim.
However, they were still swimming at 22.00, and called time on the challenge at 23.00.
As of writing, the charity challenge has raised more than £2,000 for the RNLI and the Marine Conservation Society.
You can find their JustGiving pages online HERE and HERE if you’d like to support the relay team’s efforts.
Taking to social media late last night as the team were picked up, and destined for Poole, Mark Ransom, one of the organisers of the event, said it had to be cut short for safety reasons.
“Unfortunately due to worsening conditions we have been forced to stop the swim for safety reasons. Now heading back to Poole marina. Everyone is safe and well. I will give more details tomorrow.”
Mr Ransom continued: “Thank you all for your support and generous donations to our two charities. It’s very much appreciated.”
