British Adventurer Faces Setback on Final Stretch
Karl Bushby, a British former paratrooper who embarked on a global walk in 1998, has been denied access to the Channel Tunnel for the concluding phase of his extraordinary 36,000-mile journey. Bushby, 57, who began his trek in Chile and has now reached Belgium, aims to return to the UK without using conventional transport, adhering to the rules of his challenge.
His formal request to traverse a service tunnel within the Channel Tunnel was rejected by Eurotunnel officials on Tuesday. A spokesperson for Eurotunnel cited significant safety and operational reasons for the refusal, stating that closing the service tunnel for an estimated 15 hours to two days would pose a risk to passenger services and disrupt crucial maintenance activities. They also highlighted the stringent control over access and the detailed planning and specialized support required for any activity within the tunnel.
Bushby Considers Alternative Routes
Upon learning of the decision, Mr. Bushby, who hails from Hull, expressed his team's need for further discussions. He indicated his readiness to swim across the English Channel if no other viable land-based option materializes. "If I have to swim across the channel then I am prepared to do that," he stated.
This would not be Mr. Bushby's first aquatic endeavor to advance his journey. In 2006, he swam across sections of the Bering Strait, navigating gaps in the ice while wearing an immersion suit. More recently, in 2024, he successfully completed a 186-mile (300km) swim across the Caspian Sea, a feat he was reportedly the first person to accomplish.
Eurotunnel's Stance on Safety and Operations
Eurotunnel acknowledged Mr. Bushby's request and stated they had carefully considered it, exploring various options. However, they concluded that accommodating his wish was not feasible due to their highest priority being the safety of passengers, staff, and infrastructure. They emphasized that all activities within the tunnel must meet strict operational criteria.
Despite the refusal, Eurotunnel conveyed their congratulations to Mr. Bushby on his "incredible journey to date" and extended their best wishes for his return home.
Mr. Bushby had previously voiced concerns about potential denial of Channel Tunnel access in a BBC report last year. He reportedly commented then, "It would be pretty miserable if it was a no. Even the Russians let me through [their country], despite world tensions." He intends to conclude his monumental walk at his childhood home, where his mother awaits his arrival.
Source: Briton on around-the-world walk since 1998 refused access to Channel Tunnel for final leg
