HOW I SWAM THE CHANNEL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 74, 18 September 1911, Page 3

HOW I SWAM THE CHANNEL

BURGESS TELLS THE STORY. TERRIFIC FIGHT WITH CURRENTS. London, September 11.

To use his own words. Burgess was once within an ace of failing to accomplish this great cross.-Channel swim. Speaking of his achievement to tlie newspaper representatives by whom he was interviewed after returning to his hotel at Deal, Burgess declared that he had covered fully 60 miles as a result of the zig-zag course he was compelled to take. lie went on to say: "I should have been able to cross twice but for the adverse currents. I had a terrilic fight with them, and was once within an ace of failing. "When [ was approaching Cape Grisnez 1 met with a strong outward set, and was forced to alter my course three times. After rounding the set 1 found slack water, and then I knew I was all' right. "It was just slack tide when I got in, and if I had not managed it then I might have drifted to Calais. It took three full and two part tides to carry me over. "I was severely stung several thr" v with jellyllsh, and once in mid-channe., after a ■ spell of sickness, I felt heartbroken, but my pulse . quickened and brought courage to me to persevere." Once under the lee of Cape Grisnez he swam hastily ashore, the' journey having occupied .23h.y. 40min. Upon gaining his feet he stumbled a few steps, but was then able to walk without assistance, and appeared to he remarkably fresh. • ■ - Burgess is a native of Yorkshire, but for some time past has been a naturalised French subject. The present wa ; s ■hia sixteenth'attempt to cross the Channel.