Handicapped Indian to swim Gibraltar Strait

Four years after becoming the first male double amputee below the knee to cross the English Channel Masudur Rahman Baidya from West Bengal has set his eyes on crossing the Gibraltar Strait.

If weather permits, Baidya will take the plunge to tame the Strait tomorrow.

The 32-year-old, who lost both his legs at the age of 11, had conquered the unpredictable English Channel in 1997 and had won several long distance open swimming events.

The Gibraltar Strait differs from other challenges due to its specific characteristics. Here the swimming starts from a boat located at Tarifa Island in Spain and the crossing ends at a natural point on the Morrocan Coast.

The shortest distance across the Strait is from Punta Oliveros (Spain) to Punta Cires (Morroccaan side) a distance of 14.5 km but this straight line is not the most suitable route because of local conditions.

Hence, most of the attempts are made from a boat located at Tarifa Island to the vicinity of Punta Cires a distance measuring between 18.5 km to 22 km.

The longer distance would not pose any problem for Baidya as he is used to swimming much farther in rough seas both in Eurpe and in India said Baidya's manager Nishith Ganguly.

The day for the crossing is depends on high water hours which should coincide with the dawn and suitable wind and tide conditions.