Belgian soldier Davy Billiau has successfully swum the entire Belgian coastline in a gruelling effort to raise money for Wave of Hope, a campaign supporting the non-profit organisation Wensambulance, which grants final wishes to terminally ill individuals.
Billiau began his 67-kilometre journey early Tuesday morning in De Panne and reached Knokke-Heist late that same night. Although his time of 18 hours and 48 minutes was remarkable, he narrowly missed breaking the record set by swimmer Marieke Blomme.
The dive specialist and bomb disposal expert with the Belgian Navy and DOVO set off at 6:30. By midday, he was swimming near the coastline of Ostend. His remarkable endurance carried him across the waters to Knokke-Heist.
Accompanied by a DOVO support vessel, Billiau also received brief assistance from lifeguards stationed in Koksijde and De Haan. A poignant moment occurred near Zeebrugge, where Billiau honoured his late parents by releasing two white roses into the water—a deeply personal tribute and a key motivation for undertaking this challenge.
Through his efforts, Billiau hopes to inspire donations for Wensambulance, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fulfilling the final dreams of those facing terminal illnesses.
