Ultra-endurance swimmer Neil Agius completed a 142.3 km unassisted ocean crossing around the Maltese islands on September 21–22, establishing a new world record. The 60-hour 35-minute swim adhered to strict endurance regulations, including no wetsuits, no boat contact, and no stops.
Swim Route and Record Achievement
Agius departed Mellieħa Bay at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, accompanied by a support crew, medical personnel, and his partner Lara Vella. The swimmer navigated a clockwise route around Malta, continued past Gozo, and returned toward the Marsaxlokk coastline. After 52 hours in the water, he surpassed his own 2021 record of 127 km, which he previously set between Linosa, Sicily, and Xlendi in Gozo. The crossing concluded at Għar Lapsi at 9:35 p.m. on Sunday. Medical staff conducted a post-swim examination before Agius joined awaiting officials, including Prime Minister Robert Abela and members of parliament.Conservation Focus and Background
The attempt was organized to highlight marine conservation efforts in Maltese waters. Agius coordinated the event through his Wave of Change NGO alongside local volunteer groups, which collected 790 kg of debris from Spinola Bay and St Thomas Bay during the swim. iGEN provided sponsorship for the crossing. Agius stated that private sector support enables the organization to promote sustainable choices, noting that "the sea that surrounds our island sustains our wellbeing and needs to be respected." European Parliament president Roberta Metsola acknowledged the achievement, describing Agius as "the personification of 'Never Give Up'." Agius previously competed for Malta at the 2004 Athens Summer Olympics and holds national records in the 400, 800, and 1500 m freestyle events. A 266 kg bronze sculpture by artist Austin Camilleri was unveiled in his honor in August 2021.Information provided by sponsor iGEN and event organizers.