Bengaluru-based couple Danish Abdi and Vrushali Prasade became the first pair to complete a side-by-side open-water swim from Sri Lanka to India along the historic Ram Setu route.
The couple covered nearly 32 kilometres across the Palk Strait on May 7, starting from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka at around 4:30 am and reaching Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu at approximately 3:15 pm. The swim took 10 hours and 45 minutes to complete.
Couple share reaction after feat
Following the achievement, the couple shared their excitement on Instagram and received widespread appreciation from social media users.
“We did it! Sri Lanka to India. 10 hrs 45 mins. Tough day out in the water. More details to follow after a 12hr no alarm sleep,” the couple wrote in a post after completing the swim.
In another post, they reflected on their journey and preparation for the challenge.
“Still cannot believe how far we’ve come in just a matter of 4 years when we started learning to swim,” they wrote.
The couple credited their success to each other’s support and the training provided by their coaches, Satishmata1 and Yaqoob sir. They also said they were overwhelmed by the large number of congratulatory messages and comments they received online.
Swim conducted under strict safety supervision
The crossing was conducted under strict safety supervision, with support boats, paramedics and personnel from the Indian Coast Guard accompanying the swimmers throughout the journey.
Videos from the expedition showed the couple facing rough waves, shifting winds and strong ocean currents that repeatedly pushed them off course. One video showed Abdi preparing to enter the water before sunrise, while others captured the pair swimming through turbulent seas for several hours before reaching Indian shores.
Social media users praise endurance and determination
The achievement drew widespread praise online, with many users applauding the couple’s endurance, preparation and teamwork.
One user wrote, “Huge congratulations!! Unknowingly you have inspired many of us, now more people will follow your path.”
Another commented, “This an amazing level of perseverance and determination! Kudos to you too! Proud proud.”
A third user wrote, “Congratulations, You guys proved, nothing is impossible.”
