Conditions test Rottnest swimmers
Thousands of swimmers are resting their tired bodies on Rottnest Island after conquering the 25th annual Rottnest Channel Swim in gruelling conditions.
The first person to cross the line was solo swimmer Kane Radford, who completed the crossing in 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Another solo swimmer, Nicholas Debomford, reached the shore about 15 minutes later.
Rottnest express: Kane Radford first to reach the island in time of 4 hours and 25 minutes. Picture: Sharon Smith/ The West Australian.
The first woman to reach Rottnest Island was Grace van der Byl. Picture: Sharon Smith/The West Australian.
The 19.7km open swim between Cottesloe and Rottnest Island started at 5.45am when a starter gun was fired by Premier Colin Barnett.
Exhausted swimmers started reaching the finish line by mid-morning, where they had a well-deserved break.
American Grace van der Byl became the first solo female swimmer to cross the finish line after she overtook Jamie Bowler with just 200m to go.
There were some nervous faces in the crowd at Cottesloe beach this morning as swimmers prepared for tough conditions throughout the day.
Competitors enter the water at the start of the swim. Picture: Sharon Smith/The West Australian
The 2400 swimmers taking part in the event have been supported by hundreds of people of boats and kayaks.
The Crusade for Cancer team had to be rescued earlier this morning after their support boat sank.
The boat was at the 4km mark when it began taking on water and overturned.
Inspired by eight-year-old Conor Colgan, who has an incurable brain tumour, the team were raising money for childhood brain cancer research.
The swimmers were not injured.
The charity Crusade for Cancer has its main fundraising in June when primary schools across the country host pirate dress-up days.
Conor’s father Nathan owns the boat and was a member of the team’s support crew.
He said even though their attempt to conquer the swim had failed, it was still a successful day for Pirate Day Friday because the team raised over $2400.
The Crusade for Cancer team, pictured with Cono Colgan, were on the support boat which sank during the Rottnest swim. Picture: Simon Santi/The West Australian
Rottnest swim crew rescued after boat sinks. Picture: Twitter
The submerged boat was towed to Fremantle Harbour.
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast southerly winds between 15 to 25 knots for the rest of the day.
The swell is expected to decrease to around 1m during the afternoon and the weather is expected to be mostly sunny.
Surf Life Saving WA warned a shark had been seen near the 10km mark of the swim about midday.
An exhausted competitor is helped ashore. Picture: Sharon Smith/The West Australian
