Hyderabad, Feb. 23 -- In a display of extraordinary courage and determination, 52-year-old Shyamala Goli, a native of Samalkot, swam in the sea covering a distance of 150 km from Visakhapatnam to Kakinada. Swimming long distances in the sea is a far more hazardous and challenging task than swimming in an indoor pool. In the sea, there are water currents and high waves, chilly winds, inclement weather, and sea creatures lurking beneath the surface. These factors have to be tackled. But this intrepid woman pulled it off with her willpower.

She later recounted her adventure: "I came across numerous tortoises throughout my journey. It is as if they were interacting with me. The tortoises touched my feet and hands gently. I felt very happy. B...