First person to swim Cook Strait dies

Barrie Devenport. Photo / NZPA

The first person to swim across Cook Strait has lost his battle with cancer.

New Zealander Barrie Devenport made it across the Strait on November 20, 1962, at the age of 27. The north to south swim took him 11 hours and 20 minutes.

Long-term friend and pace swimmer Chris Billing says Mr Devenport died just before midnight last night on the Gold Coast, where he lived. He says Mr Devenport who was in his mid 70s, was physically strong.

"Very strong minded about a singular thing once he got his mind made up on it. A man's man, a very kind and considerate person."

Mr Devenport is survived by his wife Kirsten and two children Wayne and Brent.

- NEWSTALK ZB