Tragedy for English Channel Swimmer

It is very sad that we receive news of a death of someone busy swimming the English Channel this last weekend.

"Páraic Casey from Cork, Ireland began his swim at 9.13am on Saturday morning and was just 1km from the coast of France at around 1:30 this morning when he took ill."

Mr Casey unfortunately passed away, even with all the efforts of the crew and emergency medical care flown in from France.

Just two weeks ago there was a lady from the UK who was pulled out of the water delirious and unconscious; and had to be admitted to ICU on her return to the mainland.

The Channel Crossing is always noted as the Everest of swimming. But also immediately backed up by us (swimmers) saying we don't have the same deaths and bodily harm as they do on those mountains. Unfortunately we do need to remember that there are risks even in swimming.

My condolences and feelings go out to the family of Mr Casey, his fellow swimmers from Ireland and all those involved in this tragic event.

For those that are wondering - I believe this is the eighth recorded English Channel death ever. And on Everest they had six this year alone (as far as i remember).

Heads up to all, good luck, and don't forget what we are getting ourselves into ...