A WONDERFUL SWIM.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2346, 12 November 1908, Page 3

A WONDERFUL SWIM.

WOLFFE FINISHES OFF CALAIS PIER. “I AM DONE, BOYS.” In his great swim from England to France on September 19, Mr. Jabez YVolffe, the- well-known Channel swimmer, almost accomplished the feat, but the cud was well-nigh disaster. He swam from the English shore west of Dover to the pier at the entrance of Calais Harbor, in the remarkable time of 15 hours, as against Webb’s 22 hours. Starting from Shakespeare Cliff, just after s ix in the morning, in ideal weather conditions, YVolffe was able to- keep almost a true course across the Channel. He was very serious, hardly exchanging a word with those on board throughout the whole swim. His progress was quite exceptional, as compared with any previous swim, j here was not a breath of wind, and the sea was like a sheet of glass. These conditions continued throughout the whole day. There was a great- many jd’.lyfish about as the result of the heat, and shortly before four o’clock ill the afternoon YVolffe, unfortunately, came into contact with one of them, and was rather badly stung. At ten minutes to five he showed the first signs of exhaustion. Half an; hour later he seemed -to have quite recovered, but at a quarter-past six it became evident that he was getting into serious difficulties, and that his strength was giving way. He frequently complained of liis inability to continue, but lie struggled manfully on. Dr. Martin Flack, who was on board the Sea YVo-lf, deemed it advisable to administer oxygen. This was continued every quarter of an hour, and YVolffe was practically kept going by this procedure. Encouraged by the nearness of the French Coast •and the light of Calais Harbor beaming over him, lie plodded on with grim determination.

He could now scarcely have been more than an hour from the shore, /,nd excitement was great when- it was seen that lie had an insetting tide which was gradually carrying him nearer the shore. But lii-g condition was becoming worse, and was causing extreme -anxiety to those watching him. Added to- thisi it was very dark He was now swimming with extreme feebleness, and at times cried, “I am done, boys,” and to the horror of his friends he turned over and lay motionless) dn the water with stiff limbs. He was in danger of drowning, but a strip- of toweling, held in readiness, was quickly' placed round the prostrate figure, and with considerable difficulty he was hauled over the side of the boat, the difficulty of the operation being increased by the. grease on his body.' It was nine o’clock ;he had swum for fifteen hours, less six minutes, and was actually inside a line with Calais Pier, about half a mile to the west of the entrance. It was estimated that the distance to lancl was half a mile, or oven' less.

Wolff© is of the opinion that the gas ho took was in the end detrimental to liis-chances of’success. He will make no further attempt this yea*, -v '•