Andy Donaldson, a 35-year-old [3] British-Australian marathon swimmer, survived a swim of more than 34 miles [1] through crocodile-infested river water.
The incident highlights the extreme risks associated with swimming in the Northern Territory's wildlife-dense waterways, where saltwater crocodiles are prevalent.
Reports differ on the exact nature of the event. Some sources said Donaldson began the swim just after 5 a.m. [4] local time on Tuesday in the Ord River to attempt a world-record marathon swim [1]. Other reports indicate the event occurred on Wednesday in the Mary River at Shady Camp [2].
According to Caleb Bond of Sky News Australia, Donaldson launched his boat from Shady Camp on Wednesday but did not secure it properly while parking his car [2]. The boat floated away, leading to the swim to retrieve it [2].
Donaldson completed the distance of approximately 55 km [1] in under 12 hours [1]. Despite the danger of the environment, he emerged safely from the water.
"I still have all my limbs," Donaldson said [1].
Bond said he was "f***ing gobsmacked" [2]. He noted that the man, who is believed to be from Victoria, had to navigate the river after the vessel drifted from its starting point [2].
Local authorities and wildlife experts typically warn against entering these waters due to the high concentration of predators. The survival of a swimmer covering such a distance is rare given the habitat's risk profile.
“"I still have all my limbs"”
The contradictions between reports—ranging from a planned world-record attempt in the Ord River to an accidental boat drift in the Mary River—suggest a significant gap in initial reporting. Regardless of the motive, the distance covered in crocodile-infested waters represents a high-risk encounter with apex predators that typically results in fatalities or severe injury.
