Atlantic canoeist on brink of record triumph

A 44-year-old lecturer is due back on dry land today after an epic journey paddling across the Atlantic in a kayak.

Former soldier Peter Bray, from Pencoed, near Bridgend, has been at sea for the more than 70 days in a bid to become the first person to travel across the Atlantic in a canoe.

Supporter Jim Rowlinson, who is waiting to greet Mr Bray, said: ‘‘It will probably be some time in the afternoon. It’s a very anxious time.

‘‘We’re all very excited and are hoping that he will get back all right.

‘‘My main concern is Peter. We are not sure what state he will be in. We don’t even know if he will be able to stand up.’’

Mr Bray, who made the length journey in extremely cramped conditions, is due to land at Killybegs in County Donegal.

This is Mr Bray’s second attempt at crossing the Atlantic in his kayak.

The first ended last year after the craft capsized and sank and he spent more than 30 hours stranded in the cold waters of the North Atlantic before being rescued by Canadian coastguards.

The determined adventurer set out again in an attempt to complete the challenge on June 23 this year from Newfoundland.

Mr Bray has encountered troubles along his way including eight storms, damage to the watertight seal of his cabin and a lost anchor - possibly bitten off by a shark.

Bad weather has also forced him to stay inside his tiny cabin for days at a time.

He is aiming to raise money for children’s charities.