Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Swimmer gives up Cook Strait attempt

Updated at 9:28 pm on 9 February 2010

A 60-year-old Whakatane man has failed in his attempt to become the oldest man to swim Cook Strait.

Mike Bodger started his swim from the top of Marlborough at 8am on Tuesday and was due to land at Red Rocks on Wellington's South Coast about 6.30pm.

However, support person Kirsten Cameron says the challenge had to be called off at 5.30pm after strong winds pushed Mr Bodger further from land.

He aborted his attempt about seven kilometers from shore.

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