About Us Advertise Careers Contact Us Privacy Policy Community Guidelines
Locating… 13°C English WhatsApp Alerts Email Alerts
SRI LANKA NEWS

Sri Lanka river paddle boarder faced crocodile threat - BBC

Lanka Hit News • Jan 21, 2017 · 9y ago • 3 min read
Share:

Kev Brady took just over four weeks to complete the challenge

A paddle boarder faced man-eating crocodiles during his quest to travel from source to sea along the longest river in Sri Lanka.

Kev Brady from Gloucester said he was terrified as he paddled more than 200 miles (320 km) along the Mahaweli.

He now aims to paddle the 800 miles (1,300 km) around the coast of the island of Sri Lanka.

His previous feats include canoeing along the Mississippi and swimming the length of the River Severn.

Mr Brady said he had suffered minor scratches and scrapes during the journey, but the most "frightening" thing was having to paddle past the crocodiles.

"I was on my own and standing [on the paddle board] only 2in or 3in above the water.

"I saw a two-foot long head pop up only 5m away from me.

"These are saltwater crocodiles that can grow up to 6m long and are considered man eaters.

Mr Brady said he felt relieved to have finished the river challenge.

"I was anxious and afraid most of the day and night, in between appreciating how beautiful and amazing it was.

"So there was a lot of relief when I finished - relief I've still got both arms and both legs."

Sri Lanka river trip for adventurer. Video, 00:00:55 Sri Lanka river trip for adventurer

Severn swimmer nearing end of feat. Video, 00:01:00 Severn swimmer nearing end of feat

Man in River Severn charity swim bid. Video, 00:02:07 Man in River Severn charity swim bid

Kaleb Cooper revives popular Christmas business

Butcher shop thief banned from almost every shop in Cirencester is named in court

Gloucestershire police chief warns 'mega force' could leave rural areas vulnerable

Terminally ill Chipping Sodbury fundraiser plans final sleepout and tractor run

Yate youngsters invited to explore future careers at free December event

Stroud food hub suddenly shuts as police called after violent incident

Watch our pick of standout clips from across the BBC

Some under-25s should get fewer benefits, Milburn review to say

UK economy grew by 0.7% in third quarter, the fastest rate for two years

Nvidia board reportedly weighs ousting CEO Jensen Huang after second affair allegation

Are max strength cold and flu pills worth the money?

'You're triggering me': How to understand your therapy-speak teen

Trying Tourette's device was the best day of my life

How much art does your council own and is it locked away or on display?

'Five years of Long Covid and my symptoms are worse'

'TV industry must tackle abuse' and Cameron tells PM 'Don't rejoin the EU'

I saved a stranger's life and my husband's at the same time

'My darling girl, you are everything to me' - auctioned letters reveal WWI love story

News Daily: Our flagship daily newsletter delivered to your inbox first thing, with all the latest headlines

The tense Irish crime drama returns for a new series

Your student loan, debt and mortgage questions answered

David Attenborough reveals the ocean's hidden wonders

Good Bad Billionaire: From literature graduate to the president of Anthropic

Democrat Scott Colom seals historic win in Mississippi Senate race

Lego marketplace BrickLink offline after 'unusual activity' detected

Media industry could be forced to improve safeguards after Walliams allegations

Ukraine's power supply close to critical as Russian strikes bring darkness and cold

Senior leaders at NHS Grampian criticised by health watchdog

Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.

Join the Conversation