SINGAPORE (26 Dec 2005) -- Adventurer Khoo Swee Chiow broke the world record for the longest scuba tank dive in a controlled environment after enduring dehydration, nausea and hunger since December 16. Emerging from a special mineral water tank on Christmas Day that had been set up at a Singapore shopping complex, Khoo said, "I'm good. I'm very very tired but very happy indeed." Khoo, 40, broke the Guinness world record of 212 hours and 30 minutes set by British diver Michael Steven in a royal navy tank in Birmingham, England in 1986 according to the Northeast Community Development Council, the sponsors. He stayed underwater longer by an extra seven hours and 30 minutes and was not allowed to surface during the ordeal. Last August Khoo failed in his attempt to swim the English Channel. He had previously become the first Southeast Asian to complete the so-called "Adventure Grand Slam," conquering the North and South Poles as well as the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. "I think trying something new, something that I've never done before, has always been the trait of my experiences," Khoo said on descending into the tank. Khoo received constant support from his team in a control room. He was "breathing on dry air" which can result in "irritation of the airway, chest pains, cough and shortness of breath," said Christopher Gerard, a member of his support team with Hyperbarix Medical Services. | | Khoo Swee Chiow Khoo was on a 100 per cent liquid diet, taking between 200 to 400 ml of liquids such as fruit beverages and isotonic drinks, Gerard said. Toilet breaks were in a special cubicle within the tanks. The attempt attracted a huge crowd daily. The next adventure focuses on Khoo's wife, Tok Wee Leng. She is expecting the couple's second baby. SOURCE -DPA |
