Story perspectives

Karl Bushby Completes English Channel Swim After Permission

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 10:20 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Karl Bushby swam the English Channel, landing at Shakespeare Beach, Dover on 5 October 2026.
He spent roughly 20 hours swimming across three days, finishing at 15:30 BST.
He obtained special permission from French and UK authorities after Channel Tunnel access was denied.
His father Keith Bushby and friends greeted him on the beach after the swim.
Filmmaker Werner Herzog is directing a feature-length documentary, Walk of Life, about the expedition.

History

Historical Context

In August 1875, English seaman Matthew Webb became the first person to swim the 21-mile English Channel unaided, completing it in 21 hours 45 minutes. His feat sparked a wave of channel crossings. In 2026, adventurer Karl Bushby pursued a similar crossing, his swim filmed by Werner Herzog, as part of a documentary, reviving interest.

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Story summary

Karl Bushby swam the English Channel, landing at Shakespeare Beach, Dover on 5 October 2026.
He spent roughly 20 hours swimming across three days, finishing at 15:30 BST.
He obtained special permission from French and UK authorities after Channel Tunnel access was denied.
His father Keith Bushby and friends greeted him on the beach after the swim.
Filmmaker Werner Herzog is directing a feature-length documentary, Walk of Life, about the expedition.

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