On Monday night, the stormy surf crashed into the narrow fishing bay of Għar Lapsi on the island of Malta, but amidst the tumultuous waters, a faint red light flickered in the distance. It was the flashing beacon of ultra-endurance swimmer and clean seas advocate Neil Agius, who was pushing the limits to complete a monumental 140km swim around the entire Maltese archipelago.
For three relentless days, Agius faced fierce currents, powerful swells, and the harsh Mediterranean sun, swimming almost 60 hours to achieve what many deemed impossible. Emerging from the waves, visibly exhausted yet triumphant, Agius now awaits official confirmation from the World Open Water Swimming Association that his grueling effort has shattered his previous world record of 125km, set in 2021.
Agius made his way into Għar Lapsi shortly after 9:30 pm on Monday, noticeably fatigued but uplifted by the cheers of hundreds of supporters who gathered along the rocky shoreline to witness the conclusion of the ‘Small Island, Big Swim’ challenge. After a slow ascent up a seaside ladder, he reached the salt-sprayed shore where medical responders were on hand to cover him with blankets and conduct an initial medical exam.
Once deemed fit, the crowd erupted in cheers, celebrating Agius’s remarkable achievement. Among the well-wishers were several dignitaries, including Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela, Sports Minister Clifton Grima, and Shadow Minister of Sport David Agius, all present to congratulate the swimmer.
Despite suffering from severe swelling and ulcers, Agius addressed the journalists gathered, stating, “This swim wasn’t for me, it was for Malta… Viva Malta!” His voice, though hoarse, was filled with determination as he added, “This was for everyone to believe that no matter how insurmountable a challenge, with the right mindset, we can achieve anything. It’s a message to Malta and the world: if we can face the toughest of seas and prevail, we can tackle the most formidable challenges our planet faces too. Together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”
The conditions Agius faced were punishing, often swimming against violent swells and unpredictable weather patterns. His support crew, drenched and battling seasickness, fought their own challenges during the endeavor. For 12-hour shifts, they remained alongside Agius, their dedication unwavering.
“Every moment was a test of endurance—not just for Neil, but for all of us,” shared Lara Vella, Agius’s partner and lead motivator. “We were cold, drenched, and seasick, but the crew never gave up. We knew Neil needed us. Even though they couldn’t get to us, they consistently radioed in, ‘We’re with you.’ The swim wasn’t just about him—it was about pushing past our limits, taking care of each other, and emerging stronger than we ever thought possible.”
The Long Swim
Agius commenced his journey from Għadira Bay in Mellieħa on the northeastern coast of Malta shortly after 9 am on Saturday. Accompanied by a squad of young swimmers and a team of support crew that included skippers, medical personnel, and numerous volunteers, he set off on his ambitious route.
Swimming southeast, Agius followed a clockwise path around Malta, continuing through the night. On Sunday, he successfully circumnavigated Gozo before returning to Malta. After 52 hours of continuous swimming off the coast of Marsaxlokk, he broke the previous world record of 125km, an achievement that marks his first attempt at breaking the record after he had to abandon a similar swim in Spain last year due to being surrounded by a massive swarm of jellyfish.
During the final leg of this year’s swim, conditions worsened significantly, presenting Agius with even greater challenges. As rain poured down and strong currents and winds picked up, the sea swell increased, making this attempt far more grueling than his previous ones.
A Commitment to Clean Seas
In addition to his remarkable swim, Agius partnered with Wave of Change and Żibel to raise awareness about Malta’s marine ecosystem. Through various clean-up initiatives, volunteers have already collected 790kg of marine waste from locations such as Spinola Bay and St. Thomas Bay. A final clean-up event will be announced soon, with the total amount of waste collected to be confirmed.
Lead partner GO powered Agius’s swim and will support all his endeavors over the next three years. The ‘Small Island, Big Swim’ initiative also received backing from VisitMalta, Atlas Insurance, and Cisk 0.0, along with additional support from Kia, Garmin, and Maypole.
Neil Agius’s monumental swim not only showcases his extraordinary endurance and determination but also serves as a powerful symbol of hope and inspiration for both Malta and the global community. Through his efforts, he continues to advocate for the preservation of Malta’s marine environment, proving that with dedication and teamwork, significant challenges can be overcome.
