Strait of Messina: attempted crossing by motorbike failed [PHOTO]

Luca Colombo's attempt was unsuccessful. After leaving from the beach of Torre Faro (Messina), the motorbike crossing of the Strait of Messina it failed due to the encounter with a series of waves added to the current.

The attempt

Already in the early morning, on the day of the attempt, there were some stops reported by the Port Authority for the passage of ships and ferries. So shortly before eight o'clock, considering good odds, there was the entry into the water.

Luca in the comment spoke of waves due to two cargo ships that passed by about twenty minutes ago, despite a good initial progression: “Entering the water was easy, I put it in third and then fourth gear and everything was fine until I hit this series of waves that couldn't be seen from shore. I passed the first ones but one slowed down the race until I stopped. In five years it had never happened to me, I consider it an experience to treasure but I have no intention of giving up and I certainly want to try the feat again."
After departure, as reported, he encountered a series of about 500 meters from the shore where which, together with the current, caused the rear wheel to come out of the water on several occasions, resulting in a cavitation effect. A phenomenon with a negative impact on the propellers, when a body moves rapidly in a liquid and due to the depression associated with the speed, cavities are formed occupied by gas bubbles which rapidly collapse. The rear wheel could no longer support the planing resulting in the vehicle sinking. No problem for the pilot, however the vehicle, although supported afloat by the self-inflating balloon, remained submerged in the water. After a thorough washing with fresh water, the oil, spark plugs and air filter will be replaced, as indicated.

Photo: Hydro MX