Press TV -- The professional Iranian diver, Hossein Ashtari is set to swim around Kish Island to commemorate Iran's National 'Persian Gulf' Day.

The 24-year-old athlete, who holds a scuba diving certificate from the World Underwater Federation, says he hopes to swim the 55-60,000 meter distance in about 30 hours.

Ashtari will start his journey Wednesday morning with the message "The Forever 'Persian' Gulf ".

When asked by Press TV's correspondent about the motive behind his decision, he said that his father had defended Iran during the 8-year Iraq-Iran war and he planned to follow in his fathers footsteps and defend his ideals.

Ashtari will plunge into the water amid intense heat and the danger of shark and jellyfish attacks.

... Payvand News - 04/30/08 ...