Jason Zirganos of Greece, The Mayor (Charles E. Neate) & the Mayoress

Butlin’s International Channel Swim 1954. The Leas Cliffe Hotel, Folkestone, Kent. The Mayor of Folkestone (Councillor Charles E. Neate), accompanied by The Lady Mayoress, presenting a trophy to Major Jason Zirganos of Greece.

He swam the English Channel successfully four times, all swims were France to England. The first in 1949 was recognised independantly, his 1950  and 1951 were both recognised by the Daily Mail, the 4th. swim was recognised by Billy Butlin. In 1959 he attempted the North Channel (Ireland to Scotland) and  he swam for 16hrs.23mins. and was 3 miles from the Scottish Coast when he was taken from the sea exhausted. He died within minutes. A Doctor performed an emergency operation with a pen-knife but could not restore the Heart-beat.

From the Sam Rockett collection. A Black and White Photograph.