0:00:02 > 0:00:05Stretching from Land's End to Dover,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08this is the busiest seaway in the world.
0:00:12 > 0:00:14And come hell or high water...
0:00:14 > 0:00:18Three, two, one... Firing!
0:00:18 > 0:00:20No amount of training can ever prepare you for what
0:00:20 > 0:00:21we faced that night.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25..it's open for business 365 days a year...
0:00:25 > 0:00:28Over 90% of the world's trade travels by sea.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31It's not just TVs and refrigerators, it's everything around us.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34..teeming with every type of vessel...
0:00:34 > 0:00:36Everyone on board reckons their job is the hardest.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39..and a rich diversity of wildlife.
0:00:44 > 0:00:47It's kept safe by those who patrol its seaways.
0:00:47 > 0:00:49Just drag it onto the boat!
0:00:49 > 0:00:51Their actions standing between triumph...
0:00:51 > 0:00:54- THEY YELL - and disaster...
0:00:54 > 0:00:56He's off, he's off!
0:00:56 > 0:00:59..on the unpredictable waters of the English Channel.
0:01:04 > 0:01:09Today, a maintenance crew gets to work deep under the channel.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11I've never ever worked anywhere like it before.
0:01:11 > 0:01:15It's an eerie atmosphere. It's very claustrophobic.
0:01:15 > 0:01:17I suppose it's like the days of the pit,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20when people used to work in the pit. They just couldn't do it.
0:01:20 > 0:01:25A team of teenagers brave the ultimate open water challenge.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27There's jellyfish everywhere!
0:01:27 > 0:01:31And a helicopter gets a bit too close for comfort.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Keeping the Channel a safe place for all types of traffic to
0:01:45 > 0:01:49traverse are its many beacons, buoys and lighthouses.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54Skippers and pilots look to these navigational aids to guide them
0:01:54 > 0:01:58safely to and from port as well as around hazards such as sandbanks
0:01:58 > 0:01:59and rocky outcrops.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08This is the Patricia,
0:02:08 > 0:02:11the flagship of a 500-year-old corporation called
0:02:11 > 0:02:16Trinity House, with the crucial job of maintaining over 600 aids
0:02:16 > 0:02:19to navigation around the UK.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24Today's mission is to resupply an unmanned lighthouse called
0:02:24 > 0:02:27Wolf Rock out in the middle of the Channel -
0:02:27 > 0:02:29eight nautical miles from Land's End.
0:02:32 > 0:02:35It got its name for the howling winds around an infamous
0:02:35 > 0:02:39outcrop that's wrecked ships and claimed lives.
0:02:39 > 0:02:43There really is a steep piece of rock that comes up and breaks the water.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47Wolf Rock is tricky to access, so supplies of water
0:02:47 > 0:02:50and fuel for the generator must be airlifted from the Patricia.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00John Jones is the most senior member of the deck crew, the bosun,
0:03:00 > 0:03:03a position he's held for nine years.
0:03:03 > 0:03:06All right, gang, today we're going to go to the helideck,
0:03:06 > 0:03:08sort the helideck out.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10Make sure you got all your PPE gear on and everything -
0:03:10 > 0:03:11life jackets and that.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13We'll drop the nets, drop the flag.
0:03:13 > 0:03:18And Banksy, you need to get your fire suit, fire retardant, overalls.
0:03:18 > 0:03:21We'll get all that sorted this morning for you.
0:03:21 > 0:03:2522-year-old Steve Banks, or Banksy, has been
0:03:25 > 0:03:28with Trinity for a year, but today will be the first time he has
0:03:28 > 0:03:34the responsibility of earthing the helicopter as it hovers overhead.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36The earthing process is just basically just touching
0:03:36 > 0:03:39the bottom of the helicopter
0:03:39 > 0:03:43and discharging the electricity it creates from flying over.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46Slightly nervous, like, just to be underneath a hovering helicopter.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49But it's a new challenge. I look forward to doing it.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52It should be good fun. It's all part of the job, the training.
0:03:52 > 0:03:54Banksy as well,
0:03:54 > 0:03:56now he's in my helicopter team,
0:03:56 > 0:03:58he can go under the helicopter once or twice as well.
0:03:58 > 0:04:00We'll give him a go.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03He can see how the other lads do it first and then Banksy can come out.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05If we do earth the helicopter,
0:04:05 > 0:04:08there's quite a dangerous risk of getting electrocuted.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10That wouldn't be very nice, I suppose.
0:04:14 > 0:04:17Once earthed, the helicopter will be whirling just a few
0:04:17 > 0:04:21feet about the deck, which means the crew has crucial groundwork
0:04:21 > 0:04:23to do before the operation can begin.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27What we're doing now is prepping the helideck, ready for the helicopters
0:04:27 > 0:04:30to come. What we've got to do is get the helinets down.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Get the flagpole down.
0:04:32 > 0:04:36And we do a FOD plod because of the bits of debris
0:04:36 > 0:04:38and that that could fly up into the helicopter.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43FOD stands for flying object damage. That could be disastrous.
0:04:43 > 0:04:47So what we've got to do after is give it a good FOD plod through
0:04:47 > 0:04:49the shift and then we'll wash it down at the very end.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52Make sure that there's nothing flapping around for the pilot
0:04:52 > 0:04:54when he comes. He doesn't want to see nothing moving.
0:04:54 > 0:04:55Everything's got to be super solid.
0:04:55 > 0:04:58As a 28-year veteran of the job,
0:04:58 > 0:05:01John has to make sure the more junior members
0:05:01 > 0:05:02follow his strict orders.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Once she falls down, Joe, then we tie these lines back in then.
0:05:06 > 0:05:07So it'll be just like before.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11I've done hundreds of heli ops since I've been with Trinity,
0:05:11 > 0:05:14from being an able seaman up to being the bosun.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17So after a while, you get to know what you're doing.
0:05:17 > 0:05:19Looking good, guys.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23While the crew prepares the Patricia,
0:05:23 > 0:05:26the helicopter is about to drop off a maintenance team who will
0:05:26 > 0:05:30determine how much water and fuel are needed.
0:05:30 > 0:05:34This job is carried out at least four times a year,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36as the lighthouse is automated.
0:05:37 > 0:05:40The helipad is only a few metres wide.
0:05:40 > 0:05:45And at 41 metres above the sea, it is subject to gusts and crosswinds.
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Landing is a challenge for any pilot.
0:05:55 > 0:05:57The engineers are safely dropped off.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04Back on the Patricia, it falls to helicopter landing officer
0:06:04 > 0:06:08Ian Hayward to guide the aircraft on and off the deck.
0:06:09 > 0:06:14The wind and weather today is pretty good. There's a bit of a swell there,
0:06:14 > 0:06:16but it's a manageable swell.
0:06:16 > 0:06:20Even in reasonable conditions, landings at sea are never easy
0:06:20 > 0:06:24and Captain David Cooper has an all-important role to play.
0:06:24 > 0:06:27The challenges working with the helicopter are the fact that
0:06:27 > 0:06:29we're a dynamic ship, moving all the time,
0:06:29 > 0:06:31and obviously the helicopter pilot
0:06:31 > 0:06:34has to assure that when he makes his approach and lands, he's
0:06:34 > 0:06:38aware that we might move towards him or we might take a sudden roll.
0:06:38 > 0:06:39So as the captain,
0:06:39 > 0:06:42you're trying to minimise the movement of the vessel, the
0:06:42 > 0:06:44worse movement, or the pitch,
0:06:44 > 0:06:46which is the sort of movement of the vessel
0:06:46 > 0:06:50in that direction, the roll, and then heave is the movement up,
0:06:50 > 0:06:53as the helicopter pilot comes in to land.
0:06:53 > 0:06:55Obviously, if the vessel is on a heave,
0:06:55 > 0:06:56from the angle he's looking at,
0:06:56 > 0:06:59he doesn't get an early indication of the vessel moving towards him,
0:06:59 > 0:07:02so what was maybe two or three metres distance as he comes in,
0:07:02 > 0:07:04suddenly becomes only a metre or so.
0:07:06 > 0:07:10The pick-up threatens to be a bit hairy.
0:07:12 > 0:07:15It's Banksy's last chance to watch and learn.
0:07:18 > 0:07:20On the helicopter's next journey,
0:07:20 > 0:07:23it'll be his turn to be in the eye of the storm.
0:07:28 > 0:07:31The narrow bottleneck of the Dover Straights is the busiest
0:07:31 > 0:07:33section of the English Channel.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37The ferries, cargo ships
0:07:37 > 0:07:40and sailing boats are joined from May to September
0:07:40 > 0:07:42by cross-Channel swimmers.
0:07:43 > 0:07:46Regarded by many as the Everest of swimming,
0:07:46 > 0:07:50the 21-mile crossing is one of the world's toughest challenges...
0:07:51 > 0:07:56..featuring jellyfish, choppy waters and a busy shipping lane.
0:07:56 > 0:08:00Hundreds of swimmers attempt this uniquely demanding challenge
0:08:00 > 0:08:02every year, and many fail.
0:08:07 > 0:08:10It's 10am in late September and members of a local youth
0:08:10 > 0:08:14swimming team have decided to take on this test of endurance,
0:08:14 > 0:08:17something that few people their age have achieved.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23They've already had two dropouts, so Mark Johansen has
0:08:23 > 0:08:27stepped in at the last minute so the swim can still go ahead.
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- HOOTER BLOWS - Whooo!
0:08:31 > 0:08:32Come on, Mark!
0:08:41 > 0:08:4414-year-old Ella is feeling apprehensive.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47I don't think I'm, like, mentally ready to get in yet.
0:08:47 > 0:08:51I guess I'm just going to have to face my fears and just do it.
0:08:51 > 0:08:54Ella is one of the more experienced members of the team, having
0:08:54 > 0:08:57completed two relays in the past, the first
0:08:57 > 0:08:59when she was just 12 years old.
0:08:59 > 0:09:00The first one took how long?
0:09:02 > 0:09:0318 hours.
0:09:06 > 0:09:07Look how far we've come.
0:09:10 > 0:09:11Got a long way to go.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17But there's a reason for Ella's lack of confidence this time around.
0:09:17 > 0:09:20I haven't really trained for this, to be honest.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- Ella.- Yeah.- 20 minutes.
0:09:26 > 0:09:28Cheers.
0:09:28 > 0:09:31I really don't want to get in.
0:09:31 > 0:09:33Ella gets into her swimming gear
0:09:33 > 0:09:37and gets ready for her first 60 minutes in the freezing cold sea.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41The team are supported by their coach, Tanya Harding.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45She's controlling the throttle to keep to the swimmers' pace,
0:09:45 > 0:09:49while the whining autopilot maintains the boat's course.
0:09:49 > 0:09:53As a channel relay veteran herself, Tanya knows how this
0:09:53 > 0:09:57challenge will build the young swimmers' confidence.
0:09:57 > 0:09:59For me, a lot of the kids,
0:09:59 > 0:10:03you just watch how the team comes together to really pull each other
0:10:03 > 0:10:05through. It's really nice. And to actually show that they've stuck
0:10:05 > 0:10:08with something, given a commitment...
0:10:08 > 0:10:10And the teamwork that they build up.
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- This is too scary! - Oh, come on, you'll be fine.
0:10:21 > 0:10:24- 30 seconds before you go in.- Thanks.
0:10:25 > 0:10:27- Good luck, Ella.- 'Good luck.
0:10:27 > 0:10:29'Wait for the hooter, Ella.'
0:10:29 > 0:10:32- HOOTER BLOWS - 'Go! Whoo!'
0:10:36 > 0:10:38Over the next five hours,
0:10:38 > 0:10:41four more young swimmers will take to the water.
0:10:44 > 0:10:47Kevin Murphy is observing on behalf of the Channel Swimming
0:10:47 > 0:10:50and Piloting Federation to officiate the race.
0:10:50 > 0:10:56My role here really is to make sure that the rules are adhered to.
0:10:56 > 0:10:59That the changeovers are done at the start...at the right time,
0:10:59 > 0:11:01and that the start and finish is all correct.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06As a 34-time Channel swimmer and male record holder,
0:11:06 > 0:11:11Kevin knows all too well that this sea can get the better of you.
0:11:11 > 0:11:13This is the stretch of water by which
0:11:13 > 0:11:16everybody all over the world measures themselves.
0:11:16 > 0:11:21It's the toughest thing you could do psychologically and physically.
0:11:21 > 0:11:23Here, you have a team of youngsters.
0:11:23 > 0:11:26It takes quite a lot of courage to actually do that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29And when you're sort of only 13, 14, 15 years old,
0:11:29 > 0:11:35it's...it is sort of quite inspiring, really.
0:11:39 > 0:11:42One of the many challenges the swimmers have to contend
0:11:42 > 0:11:44with are the jellyfish.
0:11:44 > 0:11:45Although not dangerous,
0:11:45 > 0:11:49they give a nasty sting similar to an electric shock.
0:11:50 > 0:11:53- What is it, Ella? - There's jellyfish everywhere!
0:11:53 > 0:11:56- Oh, it's disgusting.- Come on.
0:11:56 > 0:12:00It's a battle of will, really, because the thing is, um,
0:12:00 > 0:12:04when she's nervous and a bit frightened in there,
0:12:04 > 0:12:08salvation is just a touch away, in this boat.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10And she's resisting that urge.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13She's not coming to the boat, she's not trying to get out.
0:12:13 > 0:12:15However much she complains and stops or whatever,
0:12:15 > 0:12:17she is keeping swimming.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23Relays are a team sport and if one person gives up,
0:12:23 > 0:12:24the whole team loses out.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30Ella's not the only one struggling.
0:12:30 > 0:12:3315-year-old Chris Clark, a national water polo player,
0:12:33 > 0:12:37is falling prey to one of the other hazards of the Channel relay swim.
0:12:40 > 0:12:41Sea sickness.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47Ginger nuts. It's meant to help stop sea sickness.
0:12:53 > 0:12:56Ella's managed to overcome her initial fears
0:12:56 > 0:12:58and has nearly completed her first swim.
0:12:58 > 0:13:03- Swim!- You've got three minutes, swim!- Swim!
0:13:03 > 0:13:06Next up is 13-year-old Sam,
0:13:06 > 0:13:08the youngest member of the team.
0:13:08 > 0:13:13Like all the boys, this is Sam's first ever Channel relay.
0:13:13 > 0:13:17It's actually... You have actually now just over four minutes.
0:13:17 > 0:13:19Just over four minutes.
0:13:19 > 0:13:21You have to be in there.
0:13:21 > 0:13:23Just going to try and
0:13:23 > 0:13:26jump in and swim, a bit like in training.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29I mean, the water isn't that much different than the harbour.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31- Swim!- Swim!
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Sam, go to the stairs now.
0:13:34 > 0:13:37Good luck. Wait for the hooter to go.
0:13:37 > 0:13:40- HOOTER BLOWS - Go!
0:13:44 > 0:13:46Take your time.
0:13:46 > 0:13:48Take your time.
0:13:51 > 0:13:53Swim with this boat now, come on!
0:13:57 > 0:14:01Back on the boat, Ella has a chance to reflect on her first swim.
0:14:01 > 0:14:04When you're in there, you think you're doing all right,
0:14:04 > 0:14:05but as soon as you get out,
0:14:05 > 0:14:08you feel like you could improve it or do something different.
0:14:08 > 0:14:12Once a leg is complete, each swimmer has a few hours to recover.
0:14:12 > 0:14:15Probably just sit up here, go sleep a bit later,
0:14:15 > 0:14:17try and rest for a bit.
0:14:17 > 0:14:19Not long till I get in again, really.
0:14:19 > 0:14:23Next up is coach Tanya's 15-year-old daughter
0:14:23 > 0:14:26and three-times relay swimmer, Alex,
0:14:26 > 0:14:29the most experienced of the youngsters.
0:14:30 > 0:14:32Count me every 15.
0:14:32 > 0:14:33Go!
0:14:33 > 0:14:36HOOTER BLOWS
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Come on, Sam! Quick, quick, quick! - Sam, get out!
0:14:39 > 0:14:41The crossover is clean.
0:14:42 > 0:14:47And Sam finishes his first ever leg of a channel swim without a hitch.
0:14:47 > 0:14:50- Brilliant swim, well done. - Thank you.
0:14:50 > 0:14:53- How was it, Sam? - It was all right, yeah.
0:14:53 > 0:14:55Well done, Sam.
0:14:55 > 0:14:56Thanks.
0:15:02 > 0:15:04Alex is off to a strong start.
0:15:06 > 0:15:09Aces at the moment. She's doing quite well,
0:15:09 > 0:15:11she hasn't stopped and yelled at anyone yet, so...
0:15:11 > 0:15:12She's quite quiet.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18Chris is next in line,
0:15:18 > 0:15:19but the ginger nuts haven't worked.
0:15:19 > 0:15:22HE MUMBLES
0:15:23 > 0:15:27For the attempt to be recognised as an official Channel swim,
0:15:27 > 0:15:31the order of the swimmers cannot be changed once it's started.
0:15:31 > 0:15:35There's lots of relays where the teams have actually failed because
0:15:35 > 0:15:37the swimmers have been
0:15:37 > 0:15:41so ill they haven't been able to get back in the water.
0:15:41 > 0:15:46It's an indication of just how much will it's going to take for him
0:15:46 > 0:15:49not feeling well but he's got to get changed, he's got to get into
0:15:49 > 0:15:52his swim trunks, hat and goggles and he's got to
0:15:52 > 0:15:55go move down the steps at the back of this boat into the water.
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Going down the back or the side?
0:15:59 > 0:16:02Chris' swim coincides with one of the hardest
0:16:02 > 0:16:03sections of the crossing.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Massive waves now.
0:16:08 > 0:16:12We'll be in the shipping lane soon, so that'll be even worse.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16The shipping lane makes up ten miles of the 21-mile swim.
0:16:16 > 0:16:21The 500 commercial ship movements a day churn up colder water
0:16:21 > 0:16:23and make the sea in this area choppier.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26- HOOTER BLOWS - Go!
0:16:26 > 0:16:28THEY CHEER HIM ON
0:16:30 > 0:16:32For newcomer Sam,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34his first experience in the choppy waters was tough.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37It's very hard to stay concentrated
0:16:37 > 0:16:39when you're worrying about what's underneath you.
0:16:39 > 0:16:42But it is a constant battle to try and stay with the boat.
0:16:42 > 0:16:44Because they said to us,
0:16:44 > 0:16:47if you touch the boat, the whole team is disqualified.
0:16:47 > 0:16:49So there's quite a lot riding on you not to touch the boat,
0:16:49 > 0:16:51even by accident.
0:16:51 > 0:16:55So it's very hard to find that right distance where you're not
0:16:55 > 0:16:58so close to it that you might touch it, but you're not so far
0:16:58 > 0:17:02away from it that they're going to start shouting at you to come back.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04Doing well, keep going. Come on.
0:17:04 > 0:17:07I'm not particularly good at any other sport.
0:17:07 > 0:17:11I mean, I do a lot of swimming, so, yeah,
0:17:11 > 0:17:16I'm feeling immensely proud about what we're all doing today.
0:17:16 > 0:17:21The proximity of the two different land masses - England and France -
0:17:21 > 0:17:22results in an unpredictable
0:17:22 > 0:17:26and variable weather system in this part of the Channel.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32We've gone from some sort of force three
0:17:32 > 0:17:36to now force four, five and occasionally six.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40The boat's skipper Lance Oram will be keeping a close eye
0:17:40 > 0:17:41on the weather.
0:17:41 > 0:17:45He has the power to call off the attempt if conditions get too rough.
0:17:45 > 0:17:47Good morning to you, sir.
0:17:47 > 0:17:50Just information for the swim this morning.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53Swim number is 142-Romeo.
0:17:54 > 0:17:57And today we have 1-1, 11, POB.
0:17:57 > 0:17:59Like I say, any problems, we'll speak to you soon.
0:17:59 > 0:18:04If for some reason I feel that it's too dangerous.
0:18:04 > 0:18:09I can actually physically go, "End of story, game over. You've finished."
0:18:09 > 0:18:11I'm responsible for people's safety.
0:18:11 > 0:18:13With the weather conditions deteriorating,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16it means the swimmers will take a lot longer to get to shore.
0:18:16 > 0:18:20Time-wise, we were looking at about 13, 14 hours.
0:18:20 > 0:18:22That has increased now.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29At the moment, 18, 19 hours, but Who knows?
0:18:29 > 0:18:32Some of these could sort of flatten out.
0:18:32 > 0:18:35And as their attempt is towards the end of the Channel swimming
0:18:35 > 0:18:37season, the days are shorter,
0:18:37 > 0:18:40which means everyone will be swimming into the night,
0:18:40 > 0:18:44something the girls, Ella and Alex, are particularly dreading.
0:18:44 > 0:18:46In the dark, it's going to be even worse.
0:18:46 > 0:18:51Like, the last... The Dover one that I did before yours, we had to
0:18:51 > 0:18:55land in the dark and I think we lost the boat for about 20 minutes.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57- All right, Harry, I'm going to get you...- Go!
0:18:57 > 0:19:00HOOTER BLOWS
0:19:00 > 0:19:03Chris successfully completes his first leg.
0:19:07 > 0:19:08Well done, Chris.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15But once back on the boat, his sea sickness returns with a vengeance.
0:19:15 > 0:19:17Well done, sweetie.
0:19:17 > 0:19:19That's good. One, two, three...
0:19:23 > 0:19:27The team is five hours in, but as day is soon to turn to night,
0:19:27 > 0:19:29the hardest part is soon to come.
0:19:44 > 0:19:48The Dover Straights are of strategic importance for the flow of trade
0:19:48 > 0:19:50and passengers across the Channel.
0:19:53 > 0:19:56But the Channel's traffic isn't just on its waters,
0:19:56 > 0:20:00almost 346 million passengers have travelled under it.
0:20:03 > 0:20:07Opened in 1994, the Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea
0:20:07 > 0:20:11tunnel in the world and makes the crossing for passengers
0:20:11 > 0:20:14and freight a mere 35 minutes.
0:20:15 > 0:20:18After 20 years in action, this extraordinary
0:20:18 > 0:20:22feat of engineering is in need of regular maintenance.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Mark Cornwall and his team are responsible for carrying out
0:20:34 > 0:20:37these vital works to keep the traffic flowing.
0:20:38 > 0:20:41I've never ever worked anywhere like it before.
0:20:41 > 0:20:44It's an eerie atmosphere when you're on your own,
0:20:44 > 0:20:48but it's nice, it's warm and it don't rain.
0:20:48 > 0:20:50It is very claustrophobic.
0:20:50 > 0:20:52I suppose it's like the days of the pit,
0:20:52 > 0:20:54when people used to work in the pit.
0:20:54 > 0:20:55They just couldn't do it.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00This is UK Contenary.
0:21:00 > 0:21:02We're in car 21, two men on board.
0:21:02 > 0:21:06Their job is carried out at unsociable hours to minimise
0:21:06 > 0:21:09disruption to the services.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14It's 11pm on a Sunday, when all the routine maintenance is performed.
0:21:14 > 0:21:16Any problems, give me a call, OK?
0:21:16 > 0:21:19- I will see you down there.- See you down there. Thanks very much.
0:21:19 > 0:21:20- Take care.- Bye-bye.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24The tunnel is split into the north-going and south-going tunnels.
0:21:25 > 0:21:29Tonight, Mark and his crew are heading to the north tunnel.
0:21:29 > 0:21:30Away we go.
0:21:34 > 0:21:38The team has just six hours to do as much maintenance as they can.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42Mark's teams uses the service tunnel,
0:21:42 > 0:21:45a corridor built in-between the north and south tunnels,
0:21:45 > 0:21:48providing easy access for maintenance as well as
0:21:48 > 0:21:49an escape route.
0:21:51 > 0:21:54You have a different pressure in the service tunnel
0:21:54 > 0:21:56than you do to the running tunnels,
0:21:57 > 0:21:59which makes it a safe zone.
0:21:59 > 0:22:03So if there's any incident in the tunnel, people can be taken
0:22:03 > 0:22:05out of the running tunnel into the service tunnel...
0:22:06 > 0:22:08..where it's a safe area.
0:22:08 > 0:22:11The pressure difference maintained by these air locks
0:22:11 > 0:22:13flanked by heavy steel doors
0:22:13 > 0:22:17prevents smoke spreading in case of fire in the rail tunnels.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22After a 20km drive through the tunnel,
0:22:22 > 0:22:26Mark and his crew have arrived at the especially problematic section
0:22:26 > 0:22:28where they'll be working tonight.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30Much like any old structure,
0:22:30 > 0:22:33not least 140 metres below the seabed,
0:22:33 > 0:22:34the tunnel has a case of damp.
0:22:36 > 0:22:43So you've only got a small area out of the whole 50km of damp.
0:22:43 > 0:22:44But it's like any house,
0:22:44 > 0:22:47if you had damp in your own house, you'd have to get that sorted.
0:22:47 > 0:22:48No-one really knows why.
0:22:48 > 0:22:51We think it's maybe cos it's where it first goes out to the sea.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55It's all the salty air penetrates the equipment basically
0:22:55 > 0:22:59and eats into it, so it's a bugbear, I must admit.
0:22:59 > 0:23:03But at the end of the day, once we get on top of it, it'll be sorted.
0:23:07 > 0:23:11The damp has corroded brackets that clamp down the high-voltage
0:23:11 > 0:23:14wires powering the train.
0:23:14 > 0:23:17It's a fairly straightforward job to replace the brackets,
0:23:17 > 0:23:22but with just six hours to do their job, the team needs to get going.
0:23:22 > 0:23:26First they must make the tunnel safe to work in, a job in itself.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30Back above ground, the rail control centre that oversees
0:23:30 > 0:23:33the entire Eurotunnel transport system
0:23:33 > 0:23:38have turned off the 25,000 faults of electricity powering the area
0:23:38 > 0:23:39where Mark will be working.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44With the power turned off above ground, it now falls to
0:23:44 > 0:23:48engineer Vincent Bradshaw to double and triple check below ground.
0:23:48 > 0:23:53That's my earthing pole, that's my 25,000-volts tester,
0:23:53 > 0:23:57they're my blue lights to show you where the earthing protection starts
0:23:57 > 0:23:58and these are the earths.
0:23:58 > 0:24:03That goes round the positive, that goes round the negative.
0:24:04 > 0:24:08It makes it impossible for the catenary to be switched back on
0:24:08 > 0:24:10while we've got men working on it and touching it.
0:24:13 > 0:24:16Their second line of defence against electrocution is to manually
0:24:16 > 0:24:18turn off the power.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Now I know why they don't last very long, Vince.
0:24:20 > 0:24:21They let you touch them.
0:24:26 > 0:24:28They'll lock it off, put a padlock
0:24:28 > 0:24:32and a caution notice to make sure that no-one can actually operate it.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34So now, once that is locked,
0:24:34 > 0:24:37everyone knows by that caution notice and the lock...
0:24:38 > 0:24:39..that it's not to be touched.
0:24:39 > 0:24:42The crew uses a live line tester to check.
0:24:42 > 0:24:46We'll actually put it on the catenary...
0:24:46 > 0:24:47And check again.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49..to make sure...
0:24:51 > 0:24:54..it's dead. Right, confirmation is dead.
0:24:54 > 0:24:57The third and final step is to earth at the cable.
0:24:57 > 0:24:59Put on the earth side first.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04That's the feed side.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06And they'll do exactly the same the other side as well.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15OK, lovely.
0:25:15 > 0:25:19These just tell you where the isolation ends.
0:25:19 > 0:25:23So you know past this is classed as live.
0:25:23 > 0:25:26Up to there is earthed, past that is classed as live.
0:25:28 > 0:25:32Now that the power has definitely been disabled, Mark, Vincent
0:25:32 > 0:25:35and the team have just five hours in which to do their job.
0:25:37 > 0:25:38Right, that's the isolation sorted.
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Now we're going to head down to the work site to take the DPT.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49They're in the French section of the tunnel.
0:25:49 > 0:25:51Thankfully, Vincent is fluent.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57OK, c'est bon pour le depoter pour deux plus quatre maintenant.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01Mark has arranged a train to meet them with all their supplies
0:26:01 > 0:26:02and equipment.
0:26:02 > 0:26:03There's our driver.
0:26:03 > 0:26:07This is our work train.
0:26:07 > 0:26:10So, as you can see, we have all our spares in here.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13As well as carrying equipment for all eventualities,
0:26:13 > 0:26:17the train is topped with a platform for them to work from.
0:26:18 > 0:26:19HORN BLARES
0:26:23 > 0:26:26The train will transport them from bracket to bracket.
0:26:27 > 0:26:30This is where we're going to start, on this location here.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36The team starts to remove the first corroded bracket.
0:26:38 > 0:26:40This is the equipment we're going to change.
0:26:40 > 0:26:44As you can see, they're not in a great state.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46The wet, salty, atmosphere, isn't it?
0:26:46 > 0:26:48It doesn't feel it
0:26:48 > 0:26:53but obviously you can see there is areas that it's coming in.
0:26:53 > 0:26:58But it's a different damp cos it's salt air, so that's why it eats it.
0:26:59 > 0:27:01MACHINE BUZZES
0:27:03 > 0:27:08It's 22 years old, so it's done its time.
0:27:08 > 0:27:11If you go into other parts of the tunnel where it's not damp,
0:27:11 > 0:27:13they're perfect.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17The new brackets have been specially coated in noncorrosive paint.
0:27:18 > 0:27:21So basically it's a sealed unit.
0:27:21 > 0:27:27And you'll have to break into that to get actually condensation
0:27:27 > 0:27:28and the atmosphere into it.
0:27:28 > 0:27:30It always makes sense in principle.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33We'll see in 20 years' time when you come back.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36Now then push it just up a little bit, Tom.
0:27:36 > 0:27:39Back about ten mil, that's it. Perfect.
0:27:40 > 0:27:44Installation of the brackets is down to the millimetre.
0:27:44 > 0:27:48Everyone is aware of the importance of precision.
0:27:48 > 0:27:51Any error could result in the high-voltage power line being
0:27:51 > 0:27:53pulled down by a running train.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00So they'll take the measurement and, once they replace it,
0:28:00 > 0:28:03they'll put the cables back in the same place.
0:28:04 > 0:28:06It's got to go down 20 millimetres.
0:28:06 > 0:28:08- Right. Down there? Down?- Bit more.
0:28:09 > 0:28:11- That's it. Yep.- There you go.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16With one new bracket successfully installed,
0:28:16 > 0:28:17it's time to move on to the next.
0:28:18 > 0:28:20We don't just say, "Oh, that one's OK.
0:28:20 > 0:28:22"Not that one, not that one."
0:28:22 > 0:28:25If you're doing the whole area, you know then the whole section
0:28:25 > 0:28:29that you've done is up to the best standard you can get it.
0:28:30 > 0:28:33Diverting the busiest railway line in the world
0:28:33 > 0:28:35does put the team under time constraints
0:28:35 > 0:28:40because their work cannot hold up the commercial service.
0:28:40 > 0:28:44We have to judge when we get to each signal location
0:28:44 > 0:28:46how long it's going to take.
0:28:46 > 0:28:48Cos once we start, we can't stop.
0:28:48 > 0:28:52It's 5am, and after six hours of safety procedures
0:28:52 > 0:28:56and solid work, the boys have replaced two brackets.
0:28:56 > 0:29:00But with a damp zone 7km long and containing 800 brackets,
0:29:00 > 0:29:03the job will take another year to complete.
0:29:03 > 0:29:05There's the isolation removed.
0:29:05 > 0:29:07Away we go. Yeah, good job tonight.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09I love a good job.
0:29:09 > 0:29:10Every night is a good job.
0:29:11 > 0:29:16Luckily, Mark and his team are as patient and dedicated as they come.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19We can all go home to bed.
0:29:19 > 0:29:20HE LAUGHS
0:29:29 > 0:29:31There are 24 lighthouses
0:29:31 > 0:29:34dotted along the coast of the English Channel.
0:29:34 > 0:29:37Some of which are the oldest and most famous in the world.
0:29:39 > 0:29:42They help keep collisions with treacherous coastline
0:29:42 > 0:29:44and rocky outcrops at bay.
0:29:46 > 0:29:50Wolf Rock is famous for being the first rock lighthouse
0:29:50 > 0:29:51to be topped with a helideck.
0:29:54 > 0:29:58Today, Wolf Rock is being maintained by a team from Trinity House
0:29:58 > 0:29:59via helicopter.
0:30:00 > 0:30:02Light deck. Bridge, copy.
0:30:04 > 0:30:07The responsibility of earthing the helicopter falls on the shoulders
0:30:07 > 0:30:10of 22-year-old trainee Banksy.
0:30:10 > 0:30:14Today is the first time he's been given this crucial task.
0:30:16 > 0:30:18Yeah, not long now for the helicopter to come.
0:30:18 > 0:30:21The helicopter will fly in, hover over above the deck.
0:30:21 > 0:30:25Myself or another guy will be here standing underneath it as it hovers
0:30:25 > 0:30:29to earth in and hook in to the load beneath.
0:30:29 > 0:30:31Then clear out from underneath
0:30:31 > 0:30:33and the helicopter will lift up with the loads
0:30:33 > 0:30:35and fly off to the lighthouse.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38A bit apprehensive about going underneath the helicopter
0:30:38 > 0:30:39and hooking in and earthing it.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41A helicopter, as it's travelling in the air,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44potentially might build up an electrostatic charge.
0:30:44 > 0:30:47So as the helicopter approaches in, the first part of hooking in
0:30:47 > 0:30:51is to earth the hook so that the guy doesn't get an electric shock.
0:30:51 > 0:30:54Yeah, so you're quite happy with all the things you got to do?
0:30:54 > 0:30:58- Yeah, no problem.- Yeah, so they're all new to you but
0:30:58 > 0:31:00bosun will be keeping a good eye out and I will,
0:31:00 > 0:31:02so nothing to worry about.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05- Just keep up your good work.- Yeah. - Well done, mate.- Super-duper.
0:31:05 > 0:31:07- That's it, enjoy.- Thank you.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22As the helicopter makes its approach,
0:31:22 > 0:31:24Banksy gets into position.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32This is the most dangerous part of the operation
0:31:32 > 0:31:34and Banksy's holding the earthing cable.
0:31:36 > 0:31:40He must earth the metal hook on the helicopter to discharge
0:31:40 > 0:31:42any static electricity.
0:31:42 > 0:31:45When the lads are underneath the helicopter working,
0:31:45 > 0:31:46as the ship moves up
0:31:46 > 0:31:49towards the helicopter and they're stood underneath,
0:31:49 > 0:31:50they got to be quite quick on their feet
0:31:50 > 0:31:52and aware of the movement of the vessel.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54If they're not alert to the situation,
0:31:54 > 0:31:56then obviously they could potentially make contact
0:31:56 > 0:31:58with the helicopter.
0:31:59 > 0:32:02As it hovers just a couple of feet from his head,
0:32:02 > 0:32:04Banksy successfully earths the helicopter.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11But a second later he's caught out by a heave in the swell
0:32:11 > 0:32:14and the helicopter gets a little too close for comfort.
0:32:21 > 0:32:23He came down a bit close there, didn't he?
0:32:25 > 0:32:27Thankfully his training has paid off.
0:32:27 > 0:32:30Seen it come down quite quick and went, "Whoa."
0:32:30 > 0:32:33- Good fun though.- Yeah?- Yeah.
0:32:33 > 0:32:37Something to tick off the list, not everyone has done that before.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41The helicopter now makes its way back to the lighthouse
0:32:41 > 0:32:44to drop off the tank of water on the landing deck.
0:33:05 > 0:33:08The final job of the day is to remove waste from the lighthouse.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16The co-pilot leans out to get the helicopter as close
0:33:16 > 0:33:19as possible to an engineer perched on the helideck,
0:33:19 > 0:33:21braving the wind and the downdraught from the rotors.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26In just a matter of seconds, the engineer has to earth
0:33:26 > 0:33:30the hook himself and attach a net full of used jerry cans.
0:33:31 > 0:33:34The waste material heads back to the Patricia.
0:33:45 > 0:33:48With all supplies now airlifted to Wolf Rock,
0:33:48 > 0:33:50Banksy's task and the operation is over.
0:33:51 > 0:33:54Well, ladies and gents, thanks very much. Worked very smoothly.
0:33:54 > 0:33:56Nice to see Banksy now getting involved
0:33:56 > 0:33:58in all the helicopter work as well.
0:33:58 > 0:34:00And he was very cool and job's a good'un,
0:34:00 > 0:34:02so obviously you can do lots more of it now.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Definitely a good experience to say you've been there and done it
0:34:05 > 0:34:07under the helicopter, and hooking in and earthing it.
0:34:07 > 0:34:08Very good. Excellent.
0:34:08 > 0:34:10Yeah, Banksy did me proud, really,
0:34:10 > 0:34:13cos he's one of my youngest lads on the deck.
0:34:13 > 0:34:14Obviously from now on he'll be doing heli ops
0:34:14 > 0:34:18and he's in that gang as well now, so very, very happy with him.
0:34:18 > 0:34:20Yeah, all in a day's work.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25For all the crew on board the Patricia,
0:34:25 > 0:34:27it's mission accomplished.
0:34:36 > 0:34:40The Dover Straits marks the boundary between the English Channel
0:34:40 > 0:34:41and the North Sea,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44and over 500 vessels pass through daily.
0:34:46 > 0:34:49These towering cargo ships cut a smooth path through
0:34:49 > 0:34:52the strong tidal flows.
0:34:52 > 0:34:53But for smaller traffic,
0:34:53 > 0:34:56the powerful tides have a massive impact.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03On board this small boat in the middle of the Straits,
0:35:03 > 0:35:06a team of five young swimmers are nine hours
0:35:06 > 0:35:09into one of the world's toughest challenges,
0:35:09 > 0:35:12the cross-Channel relay swim.
0:35:12 > 0:35:15Ready? Get set, go.
0:35:15 > 0:35:16HORN TOOTS
0:35:18 > 0:35:22And among them, 15-year-old Chris Clark is suffering with seasickness.
0:35:23 > 0:35:27It's his turn to swim next, but if he pulls out,
0:35:27 > 0:35:29then the entire fledgling team will fail.
0:35:29 > 0:35:30..all right?
0:35:32 > 0:35:37For Alex, who's currently swimming, it's a real fight to stay calm.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39GIRL SQUEALS
0:35:39 > 0:35:43It's OK, keep going! Good girl!
0:35:43 > 0:35:45Good girl. Chris is just getting changed.
0:35:45 > 0:35:47Go on, Alex!
0:35:47 > 0:35:50Soon passed. I don't want to get in.
0:35:50 > 0:35:51Good girl.
0:35:51 > 0:35:54Swimming at night, you can't see the water around you,
0:35:54 > 0:35:56so it feels really surreal.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59And you can't see anything apart from the light,
0:35:59 > 0:36:01this light in your face.
0:36:01 > 0:36:02And it's so scary.
0:36:02 > 0:36:06There's definitely like a battle in your mind between, like,
0:36:06 > 0:36:09whether you want to get out but then you can't because you've come
0:36:09 > 0:36:11so far, but you just can't deal with it.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14Like, when you're in there, you just panic about anything,
0:36:14 > 0:36:17you feel so, like, you feel so unsafe in there.
0:36:17 > 0:36:19You feel so alone.
0:36:19 > 0:36:23Chris hasn't been able to keep any food down, so he's running on empty.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26If he doesn't get up soon, he'll miss the crossover
0:36:26 > 0:36:27and the race will be over.
0:36:29 > 0:36:33Just remember, it's just an hour and you can do it, all right?
0:36:33 > 0:36:36I reckon if he's going next, he's not going to be great.
0:36:37 > 0:36:39Cos he doesn't look that great.
0:36:40 > 0:36:44Chris finds the strength to drag himself off the deck.
0:36:44 > 0:36:46You're going to wait for the hooter. That's OK, take your time.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49CHRIS GASPS Chris, Chris, look at me.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52Right, it is no different, all right?
0:36:52 > 0:36:54When you jump off, you're going to come round the side
0:36:54 > 0:36:56- and I'm going to watch the whole time, OK?- Yes.
0:36:56 > 0:36:59All right? Don't worry about it.
0:36:59 > 0:37:02Watch, there's a little clip. OK, jump, Chris! Now.
0:37:02 > 0:37:03Go. Jump.
0:37:04 > 0:37:06- Lovely.- Amazing.
0:37:10 > 0:37:12Once in, Chris gets his head down.
0:37:14 > 0:37:15That's it.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Coach Tanya is determined to help the teenagers succeed,
0:37:20 > 0:37:23but having swum the race twice herself, she knows all too well
0:37:23 > 0:37:27that the mental challenge is almost more difficult than the physical...
0:37:29 > 0:37:31..defeating adults many times their age.
0:37:33 > 0:37:36Sometimes it's just a case of having a bully on board to say,
0:37:36 > 0:37:37"Get in and swim."
0:37:39 > 0:37:40Unfortunately.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44Tanya is also on hand to give a bit of mothering support.
0:37:45 > 0:37:46Here we are. Put it up top.
0:37:48 > 0:37:52That's it, Chris. Go on, really stretch, we're nearly there now.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54With plenty of encouragement,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Chris manages to complete his second hour in the freezing and choppy sea.
0:37:59 > 0:38:01Go on, Chris! Out you get.
0:38:06 > 0:38:09Right, we'll get that in there. Get you...
0:38:09 > 0:38:10Go on. One, two, three.
0:38:11 > 0:38:13Well done for keeping going.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16Despite the physical and mental struggles, the team of
0:38:16 > 0:38:20youngsters are steadily making their way through the Channel's quarters.
0:38:20 > 0:38:21Ella is up next.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24Go! HORN TOOTS
0:38:24 > 0:38:27Oh, it's freezing! Oh, I want to get out.
0:38:27 > 0:38:28No, it's not.
0:38:28 > 0:38:29HORN TOOTS
0:38:29 > 0:38:32- Go on, Mark, out you go.- OK.
0:38:32 > 0:38:35Bloody proud of them.
0:38:35 > 0:38:36Couldn't ask for more from them.
0:38:40 > 0:38:41Well done, Ella.
0:38:42 > 0:38:44You're doing so well.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48After 14 hours
0:38:48 > 0:38:52the team is just a few hours away from reaching the French shore.
0:38:52 > 0:38:56But the darkness and disorientation has caused Ella to panic
0:38:56 > 0:38:58and come to a halt.
0:38:58 > 0:39:01- Go!- If you don't swim, you're going to have to go in again.
0:39:01 > 0:39:02ELLA TALKS INDISTINCTLY
0:39:02 > 0:39:05- Keep swimming.- No, you won't, you can swim! Come on, legs!
0:39:07 > 0:39:10Tanya must get her back on course or the whole attempt could fail.
0:39:11 > 0:39:15Good. Swim. Now. Move it. Come on!
0:39:19 > 0:39:21It's a strong wind, so it's not very pleasant in there
0:39:21 > 0:39:24and they're suffering because of it but they're carrying on swimming.
0:39:24 > 0:39:27If you can take the fear out of them,
0:39:27 > 0:39:32then you can achieve it, they will give you their all to do it.
0:39:38 > 0:39:40After 15 hours of collective swimming,
0:39:40 > 0:39:44the team is within touching distance of France.
0:39:44 > 0:39:48In his next hour's swim, Chris could be the one to finish
0:39:48 > 0:39:52but this will be his third leg and his seasickness hasn't abated.
0:39:52 > 0:39:54I just feel really sick.
0:39:56 > 0:40:01Once I've done my hour, hopefully we'll finish soon after.
0:40:01 > 0:40:02Thought it was going to be easier.
0:40:05 > 0:40:06Remember, nice, slow, steady.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10Chris knows the entire team is now depending on him for victory.
0:40:10 > 0:40:13OK, wait for the hooter before you jump off.
0:40:13 > 0:40:15All right?
0:40:15 > 0:40:17HORN TOOTS Go!
0:40:17 > 0:40:18Whoo!
0:40:20 > 0:40:21Go on!
0:40:23 > 0:40:25Well, we're almost there.
0:40:25 > 0:40:27Don't think anyone else is going to have to get back in.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30I'm certainly not going to have to get back in.
0:40:30 > 0:40:32Right, Chris, the dinghy's going to come round.
0:40:32 > 0:40:34You're going to go in with the dinghy, OK?
0:40:34 > 0:40:35CHRIS TALKS INDISTINCTLY
0:40:35 > 0:40:37Yes, you're going to be landing! Off you go.
0:40:41 > 0:40:43As Chris nears the shore,
0:40:43 > 0:40:47the end of their gruelling marathon swim is finally in sight.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49'Hello, can you hear me?'
0:40:49 > 0:40:51I can.
0:40:51 > 0:40:54I fought through all of the sadness and the annoyance and, you know,
0:40:54 > 0:40:58the complaining, it is nice,
0:40:58 > 0:41:00you know, to know that you carried on.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03And to know that you've done it, you know?
0:41:19 > 0:41:21HOOTER BLARES
0:41:22 > 0:41:24THEY CHEER
0:41:25 > 0:41:28The hooter finalises the end of the race.
0:41:28 > 0:41:33The team has successfully swum over 21 miles to France.
0:41:33 > 0:41:38Official time was 16 hours, 38 minutes and 48 seconds.
0:41:39 > 0:41:40So well done.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- Congratulations. Well done, girls. - Well done too, Mark.
0:41:44 > 0:41:46Well done.
0:41:46 > 0:41:47THEY APPLAUD
0:41:48 > 0:41:50- Well done.- Oh, well done.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Amazing, strong finish, Chris. Well done. Well done.
0:41:53 > 0:41:55- Yeah, amazing.- We done it.- Yes.
0:41:55 > 0:41:58CHATTER AND LAUGHTER
0:42:00 > 0:42:03We did it, finally, let's go home.
0:42:03 > 0:42:05We did it?!
0:42:05 > 0:42:06I didn't think I'd make it.
0:42:06 > 0:42:08It just seemed to be getting closer and closer,
0:42:08 > 0:42:11so I thought I'd keep going.
0:42:11 > 0:42:15I put my hands up and I swum back.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17Just happy that we've done it now.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19One of the best feelings in the world
0:42:19 > 0:42:21and I just want to go home now and see my mum.
0:42:21 > 0:42:23I hope my parents will be very proud.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26I just sort of looked at the beaming smiles when they sort of,
0:42:26 > 0:42:29"We've done it." It's sort of watching people achieve a dream.
0:42:30 > 0:42:34And that's...that is, for me, why I keep coming back.
0:42:34 > 0:42:40Three-time Channel swimmer before I'm 15, that's something to say.
0:42:40 > 0:42:41I don't think I'd be doing it again though.
0:42:43 > 0:42:44Same time next year.
0:42:44 > 0:42:45THEY LAUGH
0:42:45 > 0:42:50Just as dawn breaks, the boat pulls into the Port of Dover
0:42:50 > 0:42:54and the young swimmers' proud parents welcome them ashore.
0:42:54 > 0:42:55APPLAUSE
0:42:55 > 0:42:59It's a huge achievement for anyone to swim across the Channel,
0:42:59 > 0:43:03and for these young teenagers, it's a real triumph.
0:43:03 > 0:43:06Well done. Good lad.
0:43:06 > 0:43:09- ..and then the second one was, like...- That was me shouting at you.
0:43:09 > 0:43:10Well done, everyone!
0:43:10 > 0:43:13And I'll see you Sunday for training.
0:43:13 > 0:43:14THEY LAUGH