After a detailed review of the evidence footage, Guinness World Records can now confirm that professional free diver Carlos Coste from Venezuela swam an incredible 177 m (580 ft 8.5 in) underwater in just a single breath.

In doing so he broke his own record for the Longest distance swam underwater with one breath (open water) – adding 27 metres to his distance achieved six years earlier.

Longest distance swam underwater with one breath attempt

It took the 41-year-old swimmer 3 min 5 sec to set the record.

This exclusive footage shows Carlos’s breath-taking journey:

The attempt took place near Kralendijk, Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles and a representative from the International Association for Development of Apnea (AIDA) was present as a witness.

As required by the Guinness World Records guidelines for this challenge, Carlos was not permitted to use any breathing apparatus during the attempt.

Pushing against a soft current, he was only allowed fins, a nose clip and goggles.

“We wanted to do a special record attempt during Deepsea Challenge Competition dedication to conservation of the ocean,” the free diver wrote in his application to Guinness World Records.

At the same event, accomplished free diver, actress and model Marina Kazankova from Russia achieved the Longest distance swam underwater with one breath (open water, female, with fins).

She swam an equally impressive 154 m (505 ft 2.98 in).

Carlos and Marina after their record attempts