A former Special Forces Naval SEAL team leader and one-time world record holder, Walaa Hafez, wants to set a new diving world record during the inauguration ceremony for the new Suez Canal. Walaa will embark on this massive mission Tuesday Morning.
Dubbed the "Egyptian Whale" by South Sinai's governor, Hafez is currently working as a marine pilot with the Suez Canal Authority. The current world record is diving 100 km in 24 hours; Hafez was set to attempt the 125 km dive starting at 7 a.m. Tuesday.
The mission aims to highlight Egypt's recent achievements by starting off with a 30 minute dive to the deepest level of the new canal. Hafez will then continue at the depth of six meters with the help of his 12 professional diver team members. Hafez said that he hopes to break the current world record by traveling 125 km in distance in less than 20 hours.
It would be Hafez's second time breaking a world record if his attempt is successful. In June 2015, Hafez was able to stay underwater for 51 hours and 24 minutes, breaking the then-record of 51 hours and 4 minutes.