Carina's Swim & Stormy's Release
By Karen Keeton

Friday, 28th February 2020

The 28th February 2020 was quite a memorable day in Algoa Bay. Starting very early with Carina Bruwer Pugliese from Cape Town, attempting a 21km swim across Algoa Bay, the first lady to ever attempt this particular crossing! Carina took on this challenge to raise funds for a very worthy cause, Muzukidz. With Raggy Charters vessel 'Winkle', skippered by Jake and Warren, as one of the 2 support boats to keep a watchful eye on Carina and the waters around her, making sure she was safe all the way. Carina very proud and exhausted succeeded, doing about 19km in quite choppy and very chilly waters. We congratulate Carina on a great achievement and for all that she raised through Givengain.

On our other vessel 'My China', with Lloyd and Purity, Debbie and Nolien from SANCCOB and our Guests, we set off to St Croix Island for a morning Whale Dolphin & Penguin Island Cruise. We checked in on Carina on our way out, she was swimming at a steady pace and well on her way. Debbie and Nolien had precious cargo with them, "Stormy", a 20gram European Storm Petrel that they had rehabilitated and was to be realeased and start his journey home to Europe. We soon found a spot and with a sad yet happy heart Debbie let the little fella go.. starting the long journey home.. We had wonderful sightings of bottlenose dolphins and the African penguins at the island and on our return to harbour we passed Carina still swimming strong and with the end in sight. Just after leaving Carina we came across the humpback whale that has been hiding out in our Bay after being attacked by Orcas a while ago, you can read more about "Rake" in a previous News article. I sadly did not get a pic, but was so wonderful to see Rake again.

(click article pics to read full articles and watch video on the event and Carina's great achievement)