Royal Navy Supports Record-Setting Ocean Swim

Fitness guru Ross Edgley enjoyed a brief rest aboard Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Charger on the 20th day of an epic swimming challeng set by the Royal Marines.

The patrol ship HMS Charger and her sister ship Biter met Ross off the Devon fishing port of Brixham, one fifth of the way into his Great British Swim around the entire mainland of Britain.

Ross left Margate on June 1, spending six hours at a time in the water before clambering into his support boat for a spot of food, then resuming his 1,700 nm epic swim.

The two patrol boats found that the strongman, who has already completed extreme challenges like rope climbing the height of Everest and swimming 100 km in the Caribbean tied to a tree, was in need of a boost after 260 nm in the water.

The sailors provided Ross with bananas, lots of selfies and an HMS Charger ship’s badge from Commanding Officer Lt. Paul Harsent.

“Support boats don’t come much better – it’s been the absolute highlight of the Great British Swim so far. The Navy heard I was struggling with the waves, so they sent HMS Charger and Biter to support,” said Ross. “They’re crewed by massive legends – they brought bananas and invaluable advice on seasickness. I cannot thank them enough.”

No one has ever swum around the British mainland before. Ross was inspired by the Royal Marines, who suggested the marathon swim after he’d covered 126 km (68 nm) in a 48-hour swimathon.

“It was a pleasure to meet and assist Ross, said Lt Nathan Davies, Biter’s CO. “We hope our advice helps him along his way and wish him the very best of luck for the challenge ahead. Rather him than us . . ."

If he succeeds in his quest, Ross should arrive at Tower Bridge in London inside 100 days – the second week in September.