(MindaNews / 18 March) – Endurance swimmer Ingemar “Pinoy Aquaman” Macarine made another record as the first man to have swum from Olotayan Island to Roxas City, Capiz province in Panay Island on Sunday, March 17.
The Surigao-born prosecutor, who is now based in Nueva Viscaya, told this writer that he successfully crossed the channel covering a total distance of 10.8 kilometers from Olotayan Island to Barangay Baybay in Roxas City.
This is his 38th successful marathon swim in and outside the country.
Olotayan is the sole island village of Roxas City.
Unlike his last marathon crossing in Masbate last year and several others in the past where he endured strong currents, Macarine’s swim yesterday was smooth and easy, as he got pushed by favorable tidal currents to the point of his direction, according to him.
Macarine has been swimming in open oceans to promote cleaner seas, tourism and a healthy lifestyle.
Revealing his plans, Macarine said he wanted to do another marathon swim from Canada to the United States this year.
Sunday’s swim is sponsored by Roxas City Mayor Ronnie T. Davidas, Macarine said.
Oliver Palma, a local businessman in Surigao City who served as Macarine logistics head, said dozens of people witnessed Macarine reached the shores of Barangay Baybay.
“People were in high spirits and jubilant as they witnessed this unprecedented swim here. He was declared yesterday as the only person to have crossed the open sea from the island. Folk here get inspired,” Palma said via Messenger. (Roel N. Catoto / MindaNews)
