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Lithuanian abandons Baltic Sea swim attempt

28 Jul 2007 14:13:37 GMT
Source: Reuters

VILNIUS, July 28 (Reuters) - A Lithuanian former triathlete abandoned his attempt to become the first person to swim across the Baltic Sea on Saturday after breaking off the journey the day before due to stormy weather.

But Vidmantas Urbonas said he was satisfied.

"It was not my goal to cross the Baltic Sea, my goal was to attract the world's attention to its environmental problems and I have achieved that 150 percent," Urbonas told Reuters.

Experts say the sea is among the most polluted in the world.

The 1998 world ultra-triathlon champion started on July 22 from Kalmar in southeast Sweden and was heading for Pavilosta in southwest Latvia, about 209 km (130 miles) away.

He gave up with 90 km to go during the final leg of the swim, a 145 km stretch from Gotland to Pavilosta.

Urbonas said stormy wind forced him to board the accompanying boat and to sail to Pavilosta. He said he had crossed some 115 km up to the point he interrupted the swim.

"I may try to swim the remaining distance in August or September, but not this time," he said.

Urbonas said he was fit to swim further, but the strong winds prevented the boats accompanying from providing him with food and a place to rest.

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Last updated:Sat Jul 28 14:15:33 2007