Swimmers cross to former Senegal slave island

GOREE, Senegal (AFP) –

Swimmers wait on September 30, 2012, at the Voile d’Or (Golden Sail) Beach, in Dakar, for the start of the 25th Dakar – Goree open water swim event. Almost 500 people took part to the event. Goree isalnd is a historic site linked to the slave trade.

Hundreds of swimmers splashed into the waters off the Senegalese capital Dakar and swam several kilometres of open ocean to reach an island known as a symbol of the slave trade.

About 500 people participated in the 25th annual swim to Goree Island, including diplomats, amateurs and licensed competitors.

The amateur race spanned 4.5 kilometres (2.8 miles) from the tip of Dakar to the island, while the more serious racers started at a Dakar suburb and swam 7.8 kilometres (4.8 miles).

The winner of the long race was Mame Samb, a Senegalese who covered the distance in one hour and nine minutes.

Goree Island with its famous “Slave House” has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978.