Dr. Guruprasad and Team ‘Dreams to Live – Channel Chasers’ Conquer Catalina Channel
California, USA: A team of six Indian swimmers, self-dubbed “Dreams to Live – Channel Chasers,” successfully completed a single crossing of the Catalina Channel on September 9th, 2025. The team conquered the challenging 32-kilometer (approximately 20 miles) swim in an impressive 13 hours and 20 minutes.
From left to right, Deepak Bhosale, Divya Mahajan, coach Srikanth Viswanathan, Tanvi Deore, Deepika Rana, Dr Guruprasad Bhat, and Rounak Siddaiah proudly display the tricolour after completing the Catalina Channel relay swim
The team comprised a diverse group of individuals, each bringing unique skills and experiences to the endeavor. Dr. Guruprasad Bhat, a medical oncologist from the Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences, Mangaluru, showcased his dedication to overcoming personal challenges. Tanvi Deore, an accomplished marathon swimmer, added her expertise, having previously completed a 34km solo swim of the English Channel in 17 hours on July 29th, 2024. Divya Hitendra Mahanjan, at the young age of 15, distinguished herself as one of the youngest Indians to complete a Catalina Channel solo swim. Deepika Rana, a helicopter pilot and national-level swimmer hailing from Haryana, brought her competitive spirit and aerial perspective to the team. Rounak Siddaiah, an IT professional from Bangalore currently based in San Francisco, demonstrated the team’s international reach. Rounding out the team was Deepak Bhosale, a 63-year-old veteran swimmer from Nashik, adding experience and resilience to the group.
The team was guided by navigator Kevin Bell on the charter vessel “Bottom Scratcher,” ensuring they remained on course throughout the demanding swim. Their efforts were further bolstered by the coaching of Srikanth Viswanathan, a celebrated triple crowner (English Channel, Catalina Channel, and Manhattan 20 Bridge swim) and recipient of the prestigious Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award.
Dr. Bhat recounted his personal journey to open-water swimming, sharing his triumph over a childhood fear of water that stemmed from a near-drowning experience. He joined swimming classes with his son three years ago and gradually ventured into the Arabian Sea under the guidance of coach Sanket Bengre.
Team practicing in Dover, England, for the English Channel swim
The decision to undertake the Catalina Channel relay swim was born from Dr. Bhat’s desire for a new challenge following the completion of a full Ironman triathlon in Italy. “As my swimming speed was not above 3km/hour, long solo marathon open water swims were out of my league. So, relay swimming was what I was looking for,” he explained. The team ultimately set their sights on the Catalina Channel relay, preceded by an attempt at the English Channel relay.
Relay swims are governed by strict regulations. Swimmers are prohibited from wearing wetsuits and must adhere to a fixed swimming order, with each member taking one-hour shifts. Missing a turn results in the disqualification of the entire attempt. The Catalina Channel Swimming Federation oversees the Catalina Channel relay, a night swim that presents unique challenges. The team sought to replicate the conditions of George Young’s historic first crossing in 1926.
Preparation for the swim involved rigorous acclimatization to cold water. The team needed to endure at least 1.5 to 2 hours of swimming in open water of 16 degrees Celsius (approximately 61 degrees Fahrenheit) or less before April 30th. Dr. Bhat described his initial struggles with the frigid temperatures, necessitating daily cold showers and weekly full immersion in cold water. Stroke correction was also a primary focus, with regular consultations with the coach and video analysis of his swimming technique.
The team’s English Channel relay attempt was unfortunately thwarted by a severe storm in Dover, underscoring the unpredictable nature of open water swimming.
With Kevin Murphy, King of the English Channel
The Catalina Channel relay commenced at 11:23 pm on September 9th, 2025. Dr. Bhat vividly described the experience of swimming in complete darkness, guided only by glow sticks attached to kayaks. The swim was punctuated by the mesmerizing spectacle of bioluminescence and illuminated by the light of a full moon. During the morning relay, the team encountered crystal-clear water, underwater kelp forests, playful dolphins, and soaring seagulls.
The team completed the relay in 13 hours and 20 minutes. To commemorate their achievement, the team members collected pebbles as souvenirs from Catalina Island. Dr. Bhat reflected, “This swim helped most of us overcome our fear of the dark. With the right guidance, teamwork, and determination, even the crossing of wildest and darkest oceans seems beautiful in the end.”