In a remarkable initiative to combat ocean pollution, 18-year-old MBBS student Hazel undertook a challenging swim from Bandra Worli Sealink to the Gateway of India on the night of December 29, covering a distance of 36 km in 7 hours and 4 minutes.
Expressing her motivation, Hazel highlighted the critical issue of massive garbage dumping in the seas, causing widespread difficulties and environmental damage. She emphasized the need for collective action to clean the seas and urged people to refrain from littering.
Beginning her swim at around 2 AM, Hazel navigated cautiously through the sea’s debris. Throughout the endeavor, she was accompanied by pilot boats, comprising observers, timekeepers, her coach, and family members.
Reflecting on her journey, Hazel expressed gratitude for her parents’ unwavering support, noting their encouragement from training sessions to various competitions.
Notably, in 2021, Hazel swam 14 kilometers from Elephanta Caves to the Gateway of India in just 2 hours and 45 minutes.