DOVER: An attempt by Armed Forces swimmers to conquer the English Channel has been postponed to today due to strong winds and rough sea conditions.
The swim from Dover to Calais in France was initially scheduled for Sept 16, in conjunction with Malaysia Day and also Armed Forces Day.
The postponement was announced by Malaysian 7 Continent Exploration Club chief executive officer Muhamad Muqharabbin Mokhtarrudin at a dinner hosted for the swimmers at Varne Ridge, Channel Swimming Holiday Park and Bungalow here Saturday night.
He said that Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation (CS&PF) member Paul Foreman, the pilot of the boat which would monitor the swim, had advised
him to delay the expedition.
Muhamad Muqharabbin had been told that rough seas and strong winds were hazardous to any swimmer trying to cross the channel.
He said the CS&PF would monitor the weather condition and weather reports. The nine swimmers shortlisted for the attempt appeared a little disappointed by the postponement.
Najib’s press secretary Datuk Akmar Hisham Mokhles had taken a dip in the icy waters of the English Channel to get a feel of what is in store for the Malaysian swimmers. — Bernama