Courtesy of The Royal Gazette, Bermuda.

The Royal Gazette published an article about the attempt by a Dutch-born teacher Fernanda Varga who aimed to replicate the pioneering circumnavigation of Bermuda by Dr. Sean O’Connell in 1976.

For 40 years, the 35-mile Round Bermuda Swim has only been attempted 3 times:

The first attempt and second successful swim by Dr. O’Connell and the subsequent 19 hour 30 minute attempt by Varga in 1980.

The Royal Gazette reported on August 11th 1980, “Fernanda Varga almost lost her life during her round-the-island swim attempt after being battered onto reefs by huge South Shore waves.

The marathon swimmer was exhausted after swallowing sea water – and about to go under the waves for the third time – when she was rescued by Dr. Shaun O’Connell, one of her accompanying swimmers.

But the near-drowning of the plucky swimmer has not deterred her in her efforts to raise money for the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association.

She plans to make another attempt at the 35-mile marathon before the end of the school holidays. Ms. Varga stared death in the face after 19.5 hours in the water, during which adverse weather conditions had prevented her from making good progress.”

Copyright © 2016 by World Open Water Swimming Association