Atlantic swimmer partially paralysed after 'excruciating' sting

A ex-serviceman from Cheltenham who was attempting to swim across the Atlantic Ocean has been left partially paralysed, after being stung by a Portuguese man o'war.

Ben Hooper, 38, was one month into his world record swim when he was stung by the deadly sea creature.

He was taken to a support boat, where he is currently being treated, after struggling to maintain consciousness and suffering partial paralysis.

In a post online he revealed his worst nightmare had become a reality:

Hooper set off on his 2000 mile journey from Dakar in November, after weeks of delays.

In recent days, he has seen sharks and come across the scene of an old maritime disaster.