‘Pinoy Aquaman’ does it again, crosses 17k Canigao Channel

Lawyer Ingemar Macarine celebrates after arriving in Maasin City from Bohol. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

ENVIRONMENTALIST and lawyer Ingemar Macarine added another feather to his cap after finishing his 24th open-water swim yesterday when he conquered the 17.1-kilometer Canigao Channel from Bohol to Southern Leyte.

The 39-year-old Macarine from Surigao crossed the Canigao Channel from Lapinig Island in the municipality of Carlos P. Garcia, Bohol to Maasin City in Southern Leyte in six hours and 37 minutes. This was his sixth successful open-water swim for this year alone.

Macarine could have made history if his English Channel attempt last August was not cancelled due to bad weather.

Also known as the “Pinoy Aquaman,” Macarine conquered the rough seas with just a small boat following him from start to finish. The first 10 kilometers, according to Macarine, was very rough while the last 7K was a swim against strong current.

The purpose of the attempt was to promote tourism in Ubay, Bohol and also cleaner seas.

Macarine was recently nominated as the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Man of the Year 2016. His most recent swim before the Canigao Channel was a 5.7k crossing of the Hilutungan Channel last September.