Dina Levačić becomes first person in world to swim around Saint Helena

Dina Levačić (Photo: Private album)

Croatian long-distance swimmer Dina Levačić has made history by becoming the first person in the world to complete a full circumnavigation swim of Saint Helena.

Levačić successfully swam around the remote South Atlantic island, a distance of approximately 48 kilometres, finishing the challenge in 17 hours and 13 minutes.

She entered the water at 00:01 local time on Thursday, 26 February 2026 (01:01 Croatian time). The swim both started and finished at Landing Steps in Jamestown, marking a complete loop of the island’s rugged coastline.

There were no previous official records of a full circumnavigation swim around Saint Helena Island. By completing the demanding route, Levačić has become the first swimmer ever to achieve the feat.

Saint Helena is a remote volcanic island located roughly 1,950 kilometres west of the south-western coast of Africa and about 4,000 kilometres east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

(Photo: Private album)

Saint Helena is a British Overseas Territory and one of the most isolated inhabited places on Earth.

“Tougher than expected”

Speaking after completing the swim, Levačić described the challenge as one of the hardest she has faced.

“The route was around 48 km and I needed 17 hours and 13 minutes. I became the first person in the world to complete this route. It was really mentally and physically tough. I knew it would be tough but it was tougher than expected. The waves the whole way, currents and swimming at night, but in the end I managed to do it.

“I had a great team around me and I want to thank the locals too, who were great. Now it is time for rest and to prepare for my next challenge,” she said.