Australian Associated Press 30/03/2001

March 30,2001

FRIDAY STORY

by Dale Paget

GOLD COAST, March 30 AAP - Trans Pacific rower, Jim Shekhdar is less than 30 kilometres from the Queensland coast and is expected to make landfall later today. The 54 year old Englishman is attempting to become the first person to row unassisted across the Pacific Ocean. Since leaving Peru in June last year he has spent 274 days at sea. His position at 9.30am this morning was approximately 30 kilometres off North Stradbroke Island. Ocean Rowing Society executive director, Mr Kenneth Crutchlow said it was unclear where Mr Shekhdar would land but he should reach Australian soil by the end of the day. In order to claim the unassisted record Mr Shekhdar must row his boat onto land and cannot accept a tow or any assistance. aap dp