Thousands form 'human bridge'

SURABAYA: A total of 2,700 sea lovers and marines yesterday raced a distance of 3.6 kilometers, forming a "human bridge" as they swam between Surabaya and Madura Island, Antara reported yesterday.

The race started at Batu Paron dock in Madura, where Navy chief Vice Admiral Arief Kushariadi sent off the first swimmer at 8.30 a.m, followed by the other swimmers at five second intervals. An hour and 14 minutes later, the first of the swimmers had reached Ujung dock in Surabaya.

High ranking military officers, Brig. Gen. Soebagyo Rahmad and Brig. Gen. Zulkarnain, and a female officer, Sgt. Maj. Andarini Sugianto took part in the race.

The stunt was a celebratory activity held to mark the 51st anniversary of the Marines. Hundreds of people watched the race. (swe)