Strong currents stop John Procope from completing 100K swim around Tobago

John Procope’s ambitious attempt to swim 100 kilometers around Tobago was halted due to relentless ocean currents, forcing him to abandon the challenge after 33 grueling hours. The swimmer began his journey on the morning of October 13 at Crown Point, supported by a team that included a small boat stocked with supplies and a kayak for companionship. Swimmers Jacob Cox and William Carr also joined him for part of the route. Despite completing approximately 68% of the distance, Procope and his team were compelled to cease their efforts near Speyside due to the overwhelming strength of the currents. Upon returning to shore on the evening of October 14, Procope’s Facebook page confirmed the decision, emphasizing that safety was the top priority. ‘Couldn’t beat very strong current just past Speyside…took over an hour and still in pretty much the same place. Fatigued. Had to abort,’ the post read. In a follow-up video, Procope expressed gratitude to his supporters. The first half of the swim, in the calmer Caribbean Sea, went smoothly, but the Atlantic Ocean’s unpredictable currents proved insurmountable. This marks another chapter in Procope’s history of endurance swimming, following his successful 25-hour swim from Tobago to Trinidad in October 2024.