Egyptians with Pilot, Fahmy Attallah is in the centre

A channel swimming pilot with some Egyptian swimmers, including Fahmy Attallah, in the centre. Outdoor Pool, Folkestone, Kent.

Fahmy of Egypt made 7 attempts to swim the channel but none were successful; Aug 29 1939, 16hrs 00 mins, England – France. This was the last attempt before the Second World War. He was 5 miles out; Sept 04 1947, 21hrs 30mins, France – England, 7 miles out; Aug 29 1948, 24hrs 00mins, France – England, 1 mile out; Sept 04 1949, 22hrs 30mins, France – England, 1 mile out; Oct 02 1949, 16hrs 00mins, France – England, 6 miles out; Aug 22 1950 Daily Mail Race, 27hrs 13mins, France – England, 300 yards out; Aug 15 1952, 20hrs 00mins, France – England, 2 miles out.

Black and White photograph. From the Sam Rockett collection.