André Wiersig, Ocean Ambassador for the German Ocean Foundation and the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science, has completed his second attempt at the André Wiersig Seychelles ocean swim, covering the 47.24-kilometre route from Mahé to La Digue without technical assistance.
Wiersig first attempted the crossing in April 2022 but abandoned the effort due to unfavourable weather and sea conditions. For this second attempt, he prepared with support from scientists, meteorologists and climate researchers through “theBlueHeart” initiative as part of the “Swim for the Ocean Seychelles” campaign.
He began the swim in the late hours of 28 November 2025 at Carana Beach in Glacis, with his progress monitored online via GPS. During the crossing, he encountered several challenges, including jellyfish stings. Wiersig arrived on La Digue past around noon local time, completing the route in 13 hours and 3 minutes.
His team collected data throughout the swim using a measuring probe, with the information to be made available for scientific research.
“This swimming campaign is about generating positive impulses for people to preserve and protect the ocean, the largest ecosystem on our planet,” Wiersig said.