Harry Hinken, Trainer Stan Tinkham, Wife Thelma and Daughter, Kim.

Black and white photograph showing swimmer Harry Hinken on the beach, putting on goggles, preparing  for his swim on the 9th September 1967.

Disabled swimmer Harry Hinken made three unsuccessfull attempts. On the 9th September 1967 he swam ten miles in 7hrs 49mins – he swam into an oil slick, which finished his attempt. He also made unsuccessful attempts in 1968 and 1969 – he finished both swims due to heavy seas; in 1968 he swam for 10hrs 19mins and in 1969 he swam 5 hundred yards in 50 minutes. He was making little headway due to the wind and tide and was being driven back onto the rocks. Captain Hutchinson took him out of the water for safety reasons.

Harry lost the use of his legs due to polio in 1953, aged 29 yrs.