Egyptian scuba diver breaks world record by spending nearly six days underwater

Egyptian scuba diver breaks world record by spending nearly six days underwater
Saddam Al-Kilany, 29, remained underwater for a total of 145 hours and 30 minutes.
1 min read
15 November, 2020
Saddam Al-Kilany beat his 2017 record of 121 hours underwater [Getty]
An Egyptian scuba diver has broken the world record for the longest time spent underwater, United Press International report, remaining submerged in the Red Sea for nearly six days.

Saddam Al-Kilany, 29, began his colossal feat on November 5 off the Dahab coast, east of Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, staying underwater for a total of 145 hours and 30 minutes.

He thrashed his 2017 personal best of 121 hours and stole the title away from previous world record holder Cem Karabay, who racked up 142 hours and 47 minutes in Cyprus in 2016.

Al-Kilany reportedly aimed to remain underwater for 150 hours, having trained for the event for nearly five years, but fell short after his medical team raised concerns over his health.

Al-Kilany, who insinsted he wanted to break the record in his home country, was received by crowds of hundreds of supporters and well-wishers.

According to Egypt Independent, Al-Kilany is a keen underwater painter. He last made headlines in September after holding his engagement ceremony underwater.

Days earlier, Slovenian freediver Alenka Artnik set another world record in Egypt by descending more than 374 feet beneath the surface of the sea, off South Sinai's Sharm el-Sheikh coast, according to The Washington Post.

Follow us on FacebookTwitter and Instagram to stay connected

Tags