Students conquer straits challenge

5:30am Wednesday 9th July 2008

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Three Oxford students dodged killer whales, huge ships and strong currents to smash the British record for swimming between Europe and Africa.

Lennard Lee, Harry Fisher and Nicholas Berry crossed the Gibraltar Strait on Monday in just three hours and 38 minutes - well below their initial six-hour estimate and 20 minutes better than the previous British best.

The Oxford University students were also quicker than celebrity swimmers David Walliams and James Cracknell, who completed the feat in four hours, 36 minutes in March.

Having flown to Spain on Saturday, the group, who met at the university's swimming club, had allowed themselves just a week to get suitable conditions to make the crossing to Morocco.

Monday brought temperatures of 30C and strong winds, but the decision was made to set out at noon.

Mr Lee, a 24-year-old medical student, said: "The weather wasn't the best for our attempt.

"A kite surfer said he couldn't believe we were going, because the waves and currents were going to be strong.

"Every time you took a stroke you would get a mouthful of water.

"The fact we got the British record, despite the conditions, was totally surprising."

The swimmers, who shunned wetsuits in favour of just traditional trunks, goggles and swimming hats, were aided by a support boat, but were not the only creatures in the water.

Mr Fisher, 20, said: "The scariest thing about the swim was the killer whales.

"I saw them behind the support boat in the last half-hour of the swim.

"I could see them circling us, getting closer and closer. Our support boat had to make a barrier between them and us.

He added: "When I finished the swim, I expected to be really excited and happy.

"But actually I felt very tired and everything hurt.

"Africa could really have done with being 30 minutes closer.

"I have been to Africa for 10 minutes and I'm yet to smile there."

The challenge, which has only ever been completed by 188 people, involved months of training for the students and cold-water practice at Dover and Portsmouth.

Mr Berry said: "We had talked a bit about the possibility of the British record, although I never really thought it was possible.

"However, the swim went well and despite the cold and huge waves, we pushed through the pain barrier and did great. We're ecstatic."

The friends said they hoped to raise at least £1,500 in sponsorship for the Variety Club of Great Britain.

To make a donation, see www.justgiving.com/gibstraits