Midnapore Swimmer Afreen Jabi Conquers Catalina Channel After 15-Hour Swim

Kolkata: Midnapore swimmer Afreen Jabi has achieved another significant milestone in international open-water swimming by successfully completing the challenging Catalina Channel crossing off the coast of California.

Afreen completed the approximately 32.5-kilometre swim in 15 hours and 51 seconds. She began the crossing from San Pedro, California, late on September 22 and continued swimming through the night before reaching the finish point after more than 15 hours in the water.

The crossing presented several challenges, including strong waves, changing currents, darkness and encounters with jellyfish. At one point, powerful waves reportedly pushed the swimmer around 50–60 feet away from her intended course. Despite the difficult conditions, she continued the crossing and eventually completed the demanding route.

The Catalina Channel is regarded as a challenging open-water swimming route because of its long distance, cold water and unpredictable marine conditions. Preparing for the attempt therefore required extensive endurance training. Before travelling to the United States, Afreen reportedly undertook long-duration swimming sessions in Midnapore, including a 14-hour continuous swim. She also trained in cold water to prepare for the conditions expected during the Catalina crossing.

The latest achievement adds to Afreen’s growing record in long-distance open-water swimming. In July 2025, she successfully crossed the English Channel, completing the approximately 34-kilometre route in 13 hours and 13 minutes. In May 2026, she crossed the Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, completing the roughly 34-kilometre crossing in 7 hours and 5 minutes.

Afreen had been preparing for the Catalina Channel attempt for several months. Her training focused on building endurance and adapting to cold-water conditions, both of which are crucial for an overnight open-water crossing.

The waters around the Catalina Channel also offered an unusual backdrop to the attempt. Members of the support team reportedly spotted a blue whale, sea lions and other marine life during the crossing. Afreen, however, remained focused on completing the swim, while encounters with jellyfish presented a more immediate challenge.

A resident of Dewan Baba’s Chak in Midnapore, Afreen began her swimming journey at the Midnapore Swimming Club. Her progression from domestic competitions to some of the world’s better-known long-distance open-water challenges has made her achievements a notable chapter in Bengal’s swimming landscape.

With the Catalina Channel crossing now added to her completed English Channel and Palk Strait swims, Afreen Jabi has achieved another significant milestone in her international open-water swimming journey.