Time given as 6h 30m in Across the Straits. He wore a mask and goggles and the racing colours of Colonel W. H. Walker M.P, vice president of the swimming committee. At 11am Burgess swam with him for 1hr. At about 1 45pm a French mail package Steamer hove in sight, the paddle wheel narrowly missed Heaton’s head by two feet. The tremendous wash of the Steamer caused Heaton to ship a great deal of sea water. 10 mins later he said to Mr W. H. Carter M.A., who was steersman on the feeding boat, “I feel very ill”. With this Mr Carter clutched his wrist so ending the swim. The crew used pigeon post to report progress. His father, Dr Long, Frank Sugg (Lancashire cricketer), Mr J Harrison (trainer), Mr Wauchope Watson, T. William Burgess, on board.