Biologist Swims Between Cape Verde Islands, Facing Shark
Marine biologist Tommy Melo has made history as the first Cape Verdean to swim between two islands of the Atlantic archipelago, fulfilling a childhood dream while braving treacherous currents and an uninvited shark.
Melo, 44, completed the grueling crossing between the uninhabited island of Santa Luzia and his birthplace of São Vicente on Sunday. The feat, which spanned nearly nine kilometers, took five hours to finish. Remarkably, the biologist completed the journey without the aid of fins or touching any support vessels.
A Lifelong Ambition
The inspiration for the swim dates back over 30 years. At age 12, while crossing the same channel in a traditional artisanal boat, Melo was struck by both fear and fascination. “Since then, I thought that one day I would like to overcome that fear and do it by swimming,” Melo told Lusa news agency.
Decades later, that ambition became a reality. Despite not being a professional swimmer and having only a month of formal training, Melo was driven by a desire to “merge” with the ocean he has dedicated his life to protecting.
Currents and a Close Encounter
The channel between Santa Luzia and São Vicente is notorious for its volatility. Strong currents can reach speeds of 2.5 knots (4.6 kilometers per hour), making it one of the most challenging stretches of water in the region.
“There were moments when the current was very strong, where I started to lose energy and feel discouraged,” Melo admitted.
Beyond the physical exhaustion, there was a hidden danger. Throughout the swim, a large shark followed Melo, a fact he only discovered after reaching the shore. “My support team said they saw a very large shark behind me for a while. They tried to scare it away with the motor, but I didn’t even notice. I was focused on swimming,” he said.
A Message of Conservation
As a co-founder of Biosfera, a prominent marine conservation organization, Melo’s swim was about more than personal glory. He viewed the challenge as a platform to advocate for the health of the Atlantic.
“The ocean has always been seen as a link between Cape Verde and the world,” Melo explained. “We have a great need to protect what is ours, so we don’t have a sea full of plastic and empty of fish. I think it is an incentive for us to take care.”
National Recognition
The achievement has resonated across the nation. President José Maria Neves praised Melo on social media, writing: “Congratulations, Tommy Melo, for your audacity and undertaking. You are the first, you have set the example.”
Melo hopes his success inspires the younger generation to push boundaries. “I crossed one of the channels with the strongest currents in Cape Verde, without preparation, without being a swimmer, and at 44 years old,” he noted. “The young people who train every day have a much better technique than mine. I hope this inspires them to break barriers.”
While Melo says this was his last “big dream” in the water, he isn’t slowing down. He is already eyeing his next challenges on land: competing in a marathon and a Saint Silvester race. For now, he is content to let others take the lead in the water, promising to support the next generation of Cape Verdean adventurers.
Image: Pexels – Rafael Kent
