Karl Bushby reached Shakespeare Beach near Dover on Oct. 5 after swimming from France, marking a major step toward finishing a journey that began nearly three decades ago. The 57-year-old former British Army paratrooper spent about 20 hours in the water over three days, according to the BBC.
Bushby set out from Chile on Nov. 1, 1998, intending to travel around the world without using motorized or other transportation to advance his route. His expedition has covered more than 30,000 miles and 29 countries, according to the supplied reports. He walked across South America and North America and crossed the Bering Strait on foot and over ice in 2006 with adventurer Dimitri Kieffer. He also swam about 184 miles across the Caspian Sea.
The Channel crossing came after Bushby’s attempt to use the Channel Tunnel’s service tunnel was rejected over safety and maintenance concerns, the BBC reported. Bushby told the BBC he had not trained for the swim and began cramping after about an hour. He said he managed the challenge by finding a rhythm and keeping going.
His route has been delayed over the years by visa restrictions, the loss of sponsors during the 2008 financial crisis, COVID-19 lockdowns and geopolitical turmoil, according to reports. He started with $500 and later relied on book sales, speaking engagements, donations and sponsorships to support the journey.
Bushby has about 250 miles left to walk to Hull, England, where he hopes to reunite with his mother, whom he has not seen since 2015. The Times of London reported he was expected to arrive in early November. His return to England is a milestone, but the expedition will not be complete until he reaches home.
