To raise awareness around the increasing ocean pollution levels, an 18-year-old MBBS student, Hazel, swam from Bandra-Worli Sea Link to Gateway of India, on December 29. In an almost impossible feat, Hazel has managed to cover a distance of 36 km in 7 hours and 4 minutes.

Highlighting her motivation, Hazel shared that tonnes of garbage are thrown every year in the sea - damaging the environment and causing difficulties for everyone. For instance, Hazel started swimming at 2 AM, however, she couldn’t float smoothly due to garbage in the water. Finding inspiration, a city official issued an order, mandating dustbins on all ferry boats to prevent passengers from littering the sea.

As far as safety is concerned, during the entire session, Hazel was accompanied by pilot boats, which had observers, time-keepers, her coach and close family members. Earlier in 2021, Hazel also swam for 14 km from Elephanta Caves to the Gateway of India, in 2 hours and 45 minutes.