Swimmer Sigurgeir Svanbergsson embarks on 17-kilometer journey from Akranes to Reykjavik for Gaza children

Sigurgeir Svanbergsson has been swimming in Faxaflói since 10 AM this morning, embarking on a 17-kilometer journey from Akranes to Reykjavik. He is raising funds for children in Gaza, Palestine, in collaboration with the charity Barnaheill.

Having left Akranes at ten, Sigurgeir’s swim aims to conclude around dinnertime, assuming favorable conditions. This marks the fourth long-distance swim for Sigurgeir, who has previously completed swims from the Westman Islands to Landeyjar, the Grettissund, and from Kjalarnes to the Reykjavik harbor.

Currently accompanied by a support team of five, Sigurgeir’s swim has proceeded well so far, despite challenging waves. Two crew members are on a rigid inflatable boat, while three others alternate in a two-person kayak to accompany him. Due to the significant wave action, the kayakers have temporarily shifted to the boat.

“The current conditions have forced the kayakers to take a break. Everyone is now back on the boat because the waves are too high, making it unsafe to be in the kayak,” explained Þröstur Gísli Jónsson, one of Sigurgeir’s supporters. “This doesn’t affect Sigurgeir’s swimming; he continues regardless of the waves. The only minor issue is that it’s slightly harder to feed him from the boat rather than the kayak, but we’ve managed just fine.”

As the swim progresses, the focus remains on raising awareness and support for the vulnerable children in Gaza.