DESPITE suffering a near drowning and a close encounter with a crocodile a team of adventurers are continuing their ascent of the River Nile.

The expedition led by Lymington's Neil McGrigor has reached the three-quarter stage with more than 3,000 miles covered.

The team, Neil and New Zealanders Cam McLeay and Garth McIntyre have now been joined by Lymington's George Heathcote, a fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and leader of several epic expeditions on horseback.

He will soon be joined by his wife, Dr Kate Heathcote, who is now travelling out to join the team.

The trio set out on their epic adventure, to try and find the source and establish the length of the world's longest river, on September 20.

Since leaving the Mediterranean coast at Rashid on September 20 in their Zap Cat reinforced inflatable catamarans they travelled unscathed through some of the world's most dangerous places.

In Uganda they had heard reports that troops were trying to capture rebel leader Joseph Kony and five of his lieutenants in the Juba area.

The team entered Juba with trepidation, but did not encounter him or his pursuers.

The Fola Rapids proved more ferocious than expected and resulted in a head wound and

the near drowning of Cam McLeay.

As the rescue was taking place Neil McGrigor encountered a large crocodile with its jaws open wide. Luckily the Zap Cat twisted away before the reptile could strike.

The next phase involves negotiating more rapids and the Murchison Falls, which involves using a flying RIB.

First published: November 8