A couple from Bengaluru have achieved a rare feat by completing the arduous sea journey between Sri Lanka and India in 10 hours and 45 minutes. A Danish couple, Abdi and Vrushali Prasade, made history by swimming nearly 32 kilometers across the Indian Ocean.
After completing the challenge, the couple shared their excitement on Instagram and the post quickly went viral, attracting a flood of congratulatory messages on social media. Many people described the achievement as inspiring and praised the pair for their determination and teamwork.
“We did it! Sri Lanka to India. 10hrs 45mins. Tough day on the water. More details to come after 12 hours of sleep without an alarm clock,” the couple wrote on Instagram.
How social media users reacted:
Their post soon gained attention and social media users flooded the comments section with praise and support.
“Hats off,” wrote one user. Another commented: “Awesome!!!”
“What an inspiration,” read one comment. Another person wrote: “Big congratulations to you both.”
“Wow! Congratulations! That’s an incredible achievement,” said another user. The comments section was also filled with heart, fire and clapping emojis.
The swim was organized as part of an initiative supported by Manipal Hospitals. Dane Abdi and Vrushali Prasade took up the challenge of swimming from Talaimannar to Dhanushkodi, covering nearly 32 kilometers across open waters along the historic route of Ram Setu.
Before the swim began, the trip was estimated to take between eight and 12 hours. The pair, both IT professionals in their 30s, have previously participated in Indian Ocean relay swims, although this marked their first major long-distance attempt together as a couple. They also addressed the media in Colombo ahead of the event where they spoke about their training and the inspiration behind the challenge.
Several support boats accompanied them throughout the route, while lifeguards and coastguards supervised the swim and ensured safety during the crossing. Apart from sporting success, the initiative was also presented as an effort to celebrate and strengthen the cultural ties between India and Sri Lanka.
“I wanted to keep improving and achieve more”
In a similar incident, a seven-year-old boy from India made history on May 1 after swimming between India and Sri Lanka. Ishank swam the 29 km stretch of the Palk Strait on 30 April. It started from Talaimannar in Sri Lanka and reached Dhanushkodi in Tamil Nadu in 9 hours and 50 minutes.
Ishank, who returned to Ranchi on Friday evening (May 1, 2026), said he was elated after completing the swim and was already aiming higher.
“I wanted to keep improving and achieve more. My dream was to complete a two-way swim across the Palk Strait,” he said.
