Turkish ultra‑marathon swimmer Tuna Tunca set for North Channel crossing

Autistic ultra‑marathon swimmer Tuna Tunca from İzmir, Turkey, plans to attempt the North Channel – the coldest leg of the Ocean’s 7 circuit – between Donaghadee in Northern Ireland and Port Patrick in Scotland. The 35‑km swim is slated for 21‑28 July, with sea temperatures expected to drop to 12 °C and strong winds, waves and currents.

Tunca will undergo a month‑long cold‑water camp in Belfast to adapt to the conditions. His mother Gülnur Tunca, coach Mert Onaran and fellow swimmer Emre Deliveli will accompany him. He has already completed the Strait of Manche and the Gibraltar Strait as part of Ocean’s 7, and trains by night in the icy waters off Karaburun and Seferihisar and in the Urla Olympic pool, highlighting neuro‑diversity in extreme sport.