Matthew Webb

English steamship captain and Channel swimmer"

Captain Matthew Webb (19 January 1848 – 24 July 1883) was the first recorded person to swim the English Channel without the use of artificial aids for sport purpose. On 25 August 1875, Webb swam from Dover to Calais in less than 22 hours.[1] Webb attempet to swim the Niagra River on August 24, 1883 but died near the entrance to the whirlpool.

Matthew Webb
Webb in 1883
Born(1848-01-19)19 January 1848
Died24 July 1883(1883-07-24) (aged 35)
Resting placeOakwood Cemetery

References change

  1. "How The Channel First Was Swum. Captain Webb, Son of a Physician, Received Training as Sailor in China Trade. Killed In Niagara River. Tried to Cross Rapids in 1883 and Was Lost". New York Times. 23 August 1925.