A crocodile crushed this diver’s only functional arm. He returned to the water to fight plastic pollution

A crocodile crushed this diver’s only functional arm. He returned to the water to fight plastic pollution

EDITOR’S NOTE

A crocodile crushed this diver s only – Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series dedicated to exploring environmental challenges and the innovative solutions shaping our planet. Rolex’s Perpetual Planet Initiative collaborates with CNN to raise awareness about critical sustainability issues and inspire meaningful action. This story highlights the personal and environmental struggles faced by Alain Brandeleer, a Belgian diver whose encounter with a crocodile became a turning point in his journey to combat oceanic plastic waste.

The Okavango Delta Attack

That morning in the Okavango Delta, the waters were eerily still. Belgian diver Alain Brandeleer recalled the clarity of the water and the sense of calm that surrounded him as he dove. For much of his life, he pursued increasingly daring aquatic challenges, from swimming with sharks in distant corners of the globe to navigating the depths without a cage, even in the presence of great whites. Yet, over time, the thrill of danger began to fade, leaving him questioning what lay ahead. The answer came abruptly on September 6, 2012, during what should have been a routine dive. The water turned murky, and visibility vanished in an instant. A sudden sensation against his legs snapped his attention, but it took a moment for the reality to sink in. A crocodile had seized him, its jaws gripping his right arm with relentless force. One of his companions clung to him, holding his oxygen tank for over a minute. Brandeleer later described how that grip saved his life, as a single second’s hesitation might have meant death.

Aftermath and Medical Challenges

Following the attack, Brandeleer endured hours of waiting before medical teams could reach him. He was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Johannesburg, where doctors assessed the damage. The right arm, severely injured, required amputation. The news struck him hard, especially considering the unique role the limb played in his life. Born with a left-hand atrophy, Brandeleer had long adapted to the physical limitation, using his right arm to navigate the challenges of diving and swimming. Now, the only fully functional arm was gone. The emotional toll was profound, as he grappled with the idea of becoming a burden to his family. He had supported his father through years of declining health, a responsibility that weighed heavily on him. “I promised myself I would never put my son in that situation,” he said, reflecting on his resolve to overcome adversity.

Brandeleer’s decision to return to the water was not just about proving his strength but also about reclaiming his identity. “If that was the only option, I would rather not wake up from the anaesthesia,” he told the doctor during the amputation, a calmness that still surprises him. His recovery was arduous, marked by surgeries, infections, and a relentless battle against both physical pain and mental exhaustion. Yet, his determination never wavered. Six months after the incident, he began rehabilitation with basic movements, guided by a physiotherapist. This process, he said, was as much about reconnecting with his body as it was about redefining his purpose.

Swimming as a Symbol of Resilience

As his strength returned, Brandeleer set ambitious goals. He trained multiple times a day, adjusting his techniques and pushing through setbacks. One of his early aspirations was to swim the English Channel, a challenge that symbolized his refusal to be defined by the injury. Though he never achieved that particular feat, the idea marked a pivotal shift in his mindset. A year later, after overcoming another injury and an infection, he successfully crossed the 8-mile Strait of Gibraltar in 2015. The accomplishment was more than a personal milestone—it was a testament to his resilience and a reminder of the ocean’s power. In 2023, he ventured between Corsica and Sardinia, each swim a step toward reconciling with the trauma of the crocodile attack.

Brandeleer’s renewed connection with the water also deepened his awareness of environmental issues. During his expeditions to the Red Sea, Mediterranean, and other remote locations, he began to notice the pervasive presence of plastic waste. Even in areas that seemed untouched by human hands, discarded plastics accumulated on beaches and drifted in the currents, blending seamlessly with the natural ecosystem. This realization fueled his commitment to ocean cleanup initiatives. “The sea became a place of purpose,” he reflected, describing how his passion for diving evolved into a mission to protect marine environments from pollution.

From Diving to Advocacy

Though the crocodile attack left him physically scarred, it also ignited a deeper drive. Brandeleer’s experiences in the water, once driven by personal achievement, now served a dual purpose: to challenge his own limits and to advocate for the planet. He described how each swim became a form of therapy, helping him process the loss of his arm and the broader threat to aquatic life. “The ocean is not just a place of freedom—it’s a mirror of our own struggles,” he said. His journeys across open waters were no longer just about distance, but about raising awareness of the plastic crisis and inspiring others to take action.

Collaboration and Global Impact

Brandeleer’s work with the Ocean Cleanup project brought him into contact with scientists, engineers, and environmentalists. The initiative, which focuses on removing plastic waste from the oceans, resonates deeply with his personal experience. He emphasized the importance of collective effort, stating that individual actions, when combined, can create significant change. “The sea has taught me that resilience is not just about surviving, but about persisting despite the odds,” he shared. His story is now used to highlight the intersection of personal adversity and global environmental challenges, serving as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of human and ecological well-being.

A New Mission in the Depths

While the crocodile attack was a defining moment, it also opened new pathways for Brandeleer. His focus on ocean cleanup has since become a central part of his life. He described how the physical scars from the attack are a constant reminder of the ocean’s unpredictability, reinforcing his dedication to preserving its health. “Every time I enter the water, I think about the plastic that lingers there and the creatures that depend on it,” he said. His personal journey, marked by injury and recovery, has transformed into a broader mission to protect the planet’s most vital resources.

Brandeleer’s resilience is matched by the efforts of others working to safeguard marine ecosystems. In parallel to his own recovery, initiatives like the Ocean Cleanup project have gained traction, aiming to remove billions of plastic items from the oceans. The 6-foot fish, known as the giant catfish, serves as a symbol of the delicate balance of these ecosystems. Its remarkable 1,000-mile migration across the Amazon Basin highlights the interconnectedness of rivers and seas, a reminder of the urgent need for conservation. Brandeleer’s story, like that of the catfish, underscores the importance of perseverance in the face of environmental threats, whether from nature or human activity.

Today, Brandeleer continues to swim, not just for personal glory but as a beacon of hope. His experience with the crocodile attack has become a catalyst for change, inspiring others to confront both their fears and the challenges facing our oceans. “The water is where I found strength, and it’s where I’ll keep fighting for a cleaner future,” he said, encapsulating the dual journey of survival and advocacy that defines his life. Through his actions, he illustrates how personal hardship can intertwine with global efforts, creating a powerful narrative of resilience and renewal.