ATTEMPT TO SWIM THE CHANNEL.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 26 October 1901, Page 4

ATTEMPT TO SWIM THE CHANNEL.

Details received by mail of the recent attempt of Montague Holbein to swim the English Channel, starting from Cape Grisnez' show that it was a remarkable feat of endurance, the swimmer covering 26 miles in an extremely heavy sea. Halbien wore a white cap covering his head and partially projecting his face, and also a mask from the brow to the nose "in order to protect his eyes. After he had been in the water twelve hours his stroke weakened, and he did not seem to understand the instructions given from the tug following him as to the course. Twice he turned completely round and started swimming towards the French coast. He was quite blinded from the effects of the seas washing info his eyes, and it was apparent that he was delirious. A consultation was held by those on board the tug, and it was decided to take the swimmer out of the water, as it was felt that ho could not complete his task, and there was a risk of his suddenly sinking. When taken from the water, Holbein was five miles N.N.W. of Dover, and had been in the water 12hrs 46min. On landing at Dover the swimmer was taken to a hotel in an ambulance, and by the evening had so far recovered as to be able to take a stroll on the parade with his wife. A correspondent of the Weekly Scotsman had an interview with Holbein, and was informed that he will again attempt to cross the Channel next year, but only on condition that it is calm weather.