Diver Overcomes Crocodile Attack to Combat Ocean Plastic Pollution

Alain Brandeleer, a Belgian diver, faced a life-altering crocodile attack in Botswana on September 6, 2012, resulting in the amputation of his only functional arm. Despite the trauma, he returned to the water six months later, eventually completing challenging swims, including the Strait of Gibraltar. His experiences led him to confront the growing issue of plastic pollution in oceans, prompting him to raise funds for The Ocean Cleanup initiative through various swimming events. Brandeleer aims to inspire collective action against plastic waste, demonstrating that individual efforts can lead to significant environmental impact.

Key Details: • Brandeleer was attacked by a crocodile on September 6, 2012. • He swam the Strait of Gibraltar in 2015, three years post-attack. • In 2025, he plans to swim 23 kilometers between Ibiza and Formentera to raise funds. • His initiatives aim to intercept 1 million plastic bottles from entering the ocean.