Two Bengaluru-based IT professionals, Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade, have scripted history by becoming the first couple to successfully complete a side-by-side open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India along the historic Ram Setu route.
On May 7, the duo undertook the challenging 32-kilometre swim across the Palk Strait, beginning their journey from Talaimannar at around 4:30 am and reaching Dhanushkodi at approximately 3:15 pm. The demanding expedition lasted nearly 10 hours and 45 minutes.
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Videos shared from the expedition captured the swimmers battling rough seas, unpredictable winds, and powerful ocean currents that frequently pushed them off course. One of the clips showed Abdi preparing to enter the dark waters before sunrise, while several others documented the pair enduring turbulent conditions for hours before finally stepping onto Indian soil.
The historic crossing was carried out under strict safety measures, with support boats, paramedics, and personnel from the Indian Coast Guard accompanying the swimmers throughout the journey.
Sharing their excitement on Instagram before the swim, the couple wrote, “The day we swim from Sri Lanka to India and become the first ever couple to do so! All our training and preparation will be tested on this swim, and we feel we’re ready for it.”
The achievement has drawn widespread admiration online, with many praising the couple’s determination, endurance, and remarkable feat in open-water swimming.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)
