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Lisburn man crosses the Irish Sea in a bathtub

By
CATHY HAYES,
IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Saturday, September 4, 2010, 9:33 AM
Updated Saturday, September 4, 2010, 9:45 AM

 

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Mervyn Kinkead in his bathtub boat.

A 65-year-old man from Lisburn, County Antrim, has crossed the Irish Sea in a bathtub outfitted with a motor.

Mervyn Kinkead travelled 19 nautical miles from Donaghadee in County Down to Portpatrick in Scotland, in about eight hours.

"It all began as a bit of a joke," he told the BBC. "Then someone said about doing it for charity so I thought I had better do it.

"I am glad it is all over. I would do it again - well, I would consider doing it again!"

He only had one technical hitch along the way. About three hours in his boat started to take on water but the situation was soon righted.

When he arrived in Scotland a crowd had gathered to witness his arrival. He admitted that he felt like a bit of a celebrity. Although a little damp he became the first person to travel across the Irish Sea in such a manner.

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5 Comments

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Posted by Schenck2 on Sep 06, 2010, 12:18 PM EDT
This is very Monty-Pythonish! Bravo!! Can't wait for the movie. A sail might be a nice touch. It's Celtic lunatics that have made the world go round. Enjoy the ride! I do.
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Posted by killowen on Sep 05, 2010, 07:14 PM EDT
How would he fare with a sail? A chance to outdo this fellow.
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Posted by ironbed on Sep 05, 2010, 12:58 PM EDT
Lunatic!! This nut should be fitted with a tight fitting straight jacket. So-called stories like this should be ignored. What happens when mentally ill people such as he gets into trouble while at sea? Send out helicopters and rescue ships costing £$thousands? Then take him to hospital at the expense of hard the pressed taxpayer while being treated by over worked medical staff. I say send him to 'Baths-R-Us'
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Posted by Searlit on Sep 05, 2010, 11:19 AM EDT
Funny good-hearted story.
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Posted by shidoobe on Sep 05, 2010, 08:41 AM EDT
AMAZING! SLAINTE'
 


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