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N0KFQ > TODAY 24.08.15 16:34l 56 Lines 2473 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 64818_N0KFQ
Read: GUEST
Subj: Today in History - Aug 24
Path: IW8PGT<IV3ONZ<IZ3LSV<IW0QNL<JH4XSY<JE7YGF<VE3UIL<CT1ENI<N0KFQ
Sent: 150824/1430Z 64818@N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA BPQ1.4.63
1875
Captain Webb swims English Channel
On August 24, 1875, Captain Matthew Webb of Great Britain becomes
the first man to successfully swim the English Channel without
assistance. After the feat, Webb became an international
celebrity, admired for both his prowess in the water and his
penchant for risk-taking.
Born in Shropshire, England on January 19, 1848, Webb taught
himself to swim in the River Severn at Coalbrookdale. At just 12
years old, he enlisted as a merchant seaman, and eventually was
named captain of the steamship Emerald. Webb had a well-deserved
reputation for recklessness, and often had trouble convincing
sailors to remain in his employ. In August 1872, he became a hero
in England when, while traveling on a ship, he dove into the
Atlantic to rescue a fellow passenger who fell overboard.
Although the man drowned, Webb emerged unscathed 35 minutes later
and was rewarded with medals of bravery for his efforts. He then
embarked on a career as a professional distance swimmer, taking
huge risks in order to add to his fame and fortune.
After hearing of a failed attempt to swim the English Channel by
British swimmer J.B. Johnson in 1873, Webb set his sights on
becoming the first man to swim the treacherous body of water
without assistance. He made his first attempt on August 12, 1875,
but was stymied by high winds and bad conditions. Unfazed, he
tried again less than two weeks later.
After covering himself with porpoise oil to keep warm, Webb,
trailed by a flotilla of three boats, entered the water near
Dover's Admiralty Pier. Though he was stung by a jellyfish eight
hours into his attempt, he persevered after being soothed by a
nip of brandy. He swam into the out-rushing tide toward Cape
Gris-Nez, which is now often used as the starting point for
Channel swims. Finally, after 21 hours and 45 minutes of swimming
against the tide_the equivalent of 39 miles-he waded onto the
beach at Calais at 10:40 a.m., the morning after he began his
swim, exhausted. His achievement was celebrated all over the
world.
On July 24, 1883, Webb attempted his final stunt: a swim across
the Niagara River, downriver from Niagara Falls. Many warned him
the stunt was suicide, and, unfortunately for Webb, they were
right. Webb drowned in the whirlpool approximately 10 minutes
after entering the water. His body was found four days later.
73, K.O. n0kfq
N0KFQ @ N0KFQ.#SWMO.MO.USA.NA
E-mail: kohiggs@gmail.com
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