A determined team from HMAS Perth recently took on the 19.7km Port to Pub marathon swim, battling tough conditions to reach Rottnest Island, WA.
Team Swan Strong, made up of Lieutenant James Moss, Leading Seaman Riley Surendra-Nicholas and Able Seaman Chantelle Briffa, originally planned to compete with four members. However, due to illness, they were reduced to three at short notice, making an already challenging race even tougher.
Before dawn, the team gathered at HMAS Stirling to make final preparations aboard the support vessel, skippered by Petty Officer Steven Doherty.
At 6:30am, Leading Seaman Surendra-Nicholas led the swim, covering the initial 1.5km out of Gage Roads Channel before handing over to Lieutenant Moss.
The swimmers rotated in 20-minute intervals, enduring eight hours of fatigue and rough seas.
Sub-Lieutenant Matilda Roberts paddled alongside them in a kayak, providing direction and encouragement.
"The weather made it challenging, but seeing everyone push themselves made it worthwhile," she said.
A support crew of more than 10 personnel played a crucial role in keeping the team on course, ensuring swimmer safety and maintaining logistics throughout the event.
'Kayaking to the finish with the team was a major highlight.'
From skippering the support vessel to monitoring conditions and providing encouragement, their efforts were instrumental to the team's success.
"Without the support crew, we wouldn't have finished," Leading Seaman Surendra-Nicholas said.
At 18.5km, the entire team, including kayaker Sub-Lieutenant Roberts, entered the water together for the final stretch, crossing the finish line at 2:30pm.
"Kayaking to the finish with the team was a major highlight," Sub-Lieutenant Roberts said.
Beyond their achievement, Swan Strong raised more than $2000 for the Cancer Council, demonstrating not just endurance but community spirit.
Warrant Officer Chris Wright, Perth's Command Warrant Officer, praised the team.
"The Port to Pub swim is a terrific display of team cohesion, grit and determination," he said.
"The Swan Strong team displayed this in spades and should be proud of their achievements."
