Courtesy of Adherbal de Oliveira, Travessia do Leme ao Pontal, Brazil.

Dragão do Mar failed in their first attempt of the 36 km Travessia do Leme ao Pontal in Brazil in December 2017 when they swim into a thick fog at the edge of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

But the duo relay of José Eduardo Ferreira and Rodrigo Barroso Fonseca continued to train, dream and plan their next attempt with the Leme to Pontal Swimming Association.

The duo got to the start of the Travessia, but then had to wait for three days as rough conditions raged on. With their window of opportunity rapidly dwindling, they caught a bit of luck and started their 36 km swim at 11 pm on March 18th.

Ferreira and Barroso had to swim through some tough conditions on their way towards the Pontal, each rotating one-hour legs as they hit oncoming currents and strong winds. But Dragão do Mar finally reached their goal after 10 hours 49 minutes and became the first swimmers to complete the swim from the Brazilian northeast.

Upper photo shows sunrise on the edge of the city of Rio de Janeiro with José Ferreira in the water. Lower photo shows José Ferreira (left), Ricardo Ferreira, LPSA observer (center), and Rodrigo Barroso (right).

For more information about the Travessia do Leme ao Pontal, visit here.

Copyright © 2008-2018 by World Open Water Swimming Association