DATELINE: 18 November 2002

DIVER SPENDS 240 HOURS UNDERWATER IN A TANK

South African diver Tim Yarrow is claiming a new world record after spending 10 days and nights submerged in a tank, on show in a Johannesburg shopping centre.
The record, which has nothing to do with diving skill and everything to do with enduring physical discomfort and extreme boredom, was achieved under controlled conditions. The water in the tank was kept at body temperature, Yarrow was fed a liquid diet through a tube and he was monitored by a doctor on a daily basis.
The previous record of 212 hours was held by British diver Michael Stephens. A new British attempt on the record is being made by Lance Corporal Mark Webber between Sunday 9 Feb 2003 and 22 Feb 2003 at Haldane Barracks, Salford, Manchester. Members of the public will be able take try dives and join Mark Webber in the tank; e-mail peterw535@aol.com for details.