Daniel Carpio and Trainer

Daniel Carpio and Coach Charlie Daniel  Dover Harbour Beach

Swam the Channel on the 4/5th of  September 1947. He swam from England to France, starting from Cap-Gris-Nez and landing at Abbot’s Cliffe, in a time of 14hrs 46mins. His pilot was Jack “pop” Burwell. Pop (Jack/John) Burvill (Burwill) acted as a pilot on many Channel swimming escort and support boats.

His second successful Channel swim was in the Daily Mail “Festival of Great Britain” Race in 1951, he finished 11th (7th male) overall in 13hrs 50mins. He was 39 years old at the time of the swim. His pilot was W. Hickman, the pilot vessel ‘Why Not’.

He had also previously held the record for the Straits of Gibralter swim.

From the Summer of 1939 to the Autumn of 1949 the Channel Swimming was disbanded, but four swimmers completed channel swims Sally Bauer (Sweden) 1939, and Daniel Carpio (Argentina), in September 1947. the next Hassen Abd El Rehim in 1949 and Philip Mickman also in 1949. Forty years after her swim Sally Bauer was recognised by the Channel Swimming Association, and Philip Mickman recognised at the same time. The other two swims were not recognised although both had also been completed at the same period. Both swimmers were to complete successful swims in the Daily Mail and Billy Butlin races.

A Black and White photograph.  From the Rob Whitewood collection.