Ex-Royal Marine completes world record row across two oceans without setting foot on land: 'The man-eating sharks reminded me not to fall over the side'

An ex-Royal Marine who has a fear of the water has broken a world record after crossing two oceans without setting foot on land. David Bell, 54, rowed from Peru to Kenya, passing through the Pacific and Indian Oceans in under a year. The incredible journey covered 17,500 miles in 327 days after landing in Mombasa at 12.12pm local time on Friday. Mr Bell, from Bere Regis, Dorset, set a world record by completing the longest solo, unsupported ocean row by distance – but not without challenges. The Royal Marine veteran, who raised more than £110,000 for PTSD charity Rock2Recovery, survived crocodiles, sharks and storms to finish the challenge. To complete the journey, Mr Bell carried 750kg of non-perishable food – enough to last 350 days – on his boat, the 24ft long boat called Billy No Mates. His magnificent feat has been branded an 'unbelievable Herculean effort'.The former soldier's fundraiser was inspired by two close friends who died and others who lost limbs and were left with PTSD following active service. Ex-Royal Marine David Bell has broken a world record after rowing from Peru to Kenya in 327 days The 54-year-old rowed for 12 hours every day. Here he is pictured on his boat named Billy No MatesMr Bell told The Telegraph: 'There were lots of sharks in the Pacific. I was followed for weeks by different groups of sharks. I had three of them with me for six weeks and they became part of my day so I missed them when they left.'It was quite unnerving to begin with as Oceanic white tips are known to be man eaters so it focused me not to fall over the side.'He added: 'For me, it was about the challenge, the grind and... the fact that I am getting older so I'm conscious of the years I have left while I'm fit enough to do this. I wanted to seize the opportunity to do something really poignant with my life.'Mr Bell reunited with his girlfriend after landing in Kenya on Friday and, now, the veteran said, he 'can't wait to have a beer, take the longest shower of my life and sleep in a proper bed'. Adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle said Mr Bell is a 'legend' for completing the journey. After beginning his impressive voyage in Peru last November, the 54-year-old journeyed across the Pacific before reaching the Coral Sea off the coast of Australia. He then crossed the Great Barrier Reef and Torres Strait before rowing through the Indian Ocean to reach Kenya. The ex-Royal Marine maintained communication with his team via solar panels that had been fitted to his long boat, providing power to his radio and satellite equipment. In an Instagram post uploaded on Saturday, Mr Bell said he's 'enjoying the fruits of my labour' as he sipped on a drink Mr Bell has been described as a 'legend' for completing the 17,500-mile solo ocean rowBut Mr Bell 'had to become an electrician, mechanic, navigator, chef and nurse' as well as a rower and soldier of 20 years as strong waves battered his vessel during the voyage, meaning he had to repair its rudder three times. The last person to hold the record for the longest solo, unsupported ocean row by distance was Jacob Adoram Hendrickson who in 2019 rowed 7,145 miles across the Pacific without stopping.In September 2021, Mr Bell became the first person to row unsupported across the Atlantic via the treacherous northern route.He departed from New York on his solar-powered boat on May 31 the same year before battling tropical storms, 10ft high waves and his self-confessed fear of open water.Mr Bell, who described how he was left feeling 'physically trembling and sick' as he embarked on his mission across the ocean, finally arrived at Newlyn, Cornwall, after rowing alone for 119 days at sea. He became the first person ever to row solo and unsupported from North America to Europe – a 3,000 mile journey which is exceptionally dangerous due to the freezing weather and powerful currents. Mr Bell said at the time: 'It was an epic mix of emotions - I felt the full range. The things you feel out at sea are always hugely exaggerated.'When the ocean was calm the silence was the most profound I have ever experienced - I just felt insanely content.'Then there were other moments when the weather worked against me, like in the Isle of Scilly, when a combination of currents and strong winds almost pushed into the rocks.'The scariest thing was the uncertainty - when I left New York I was physically trembling and felt sick.'And when I was waiting for the first storm to hit, I had no idea how my boat would cope - you have to just anchor down, sit tight, and wait to come out the other side.'Barry Hayes, who posted updates on Mr Bell's journey on social media, said: 'Dave needed an incredible challenge and the route across the north Atlantic is the most dangerous you can do.'Based on the stats, it has the most fatalities in the history of ocean rowing because of a combination of the gulf stream, strong tidal currents, and cold weather.'Dave has a real phobia of open water and that was one of the things which made it such an enormous challenge for him. It was very much a personal journey for him.'He would row for an average of 12 hours a day and spend the nights huddled from the elements in his small cabin.Along the way he encountered dolphins, whales, swordfish and even got stung by a jellyfish. Dave 'Dinger' Bell, 49, departed from New York on May 31, 2021 and arrived at Newyln, Cornwall after 119 days alone at sea The former Royal Marine (pictured approaching Newlyn) battled tropical storms, 10ft high waves and his self-confessed fear of open water The former royal marine (pictured on his boat called Billy No Mates) would row for an average of 12 hours a dayOn his final stretch Mr Bell rowed non-stop for 40 hours as he fought against difficult conditions off the Scilly Isles.The tumultuous conditions forced him to divert from Falmouth to Newlyn where the local RNLI and coastguard helicopter accompanied him to shore.Mr Bell was met by a cheering crowd, a warm embrace from his father, Jeff, and a kiss from his dog, Yogi, after his four-month adventure.He arrived with just one day left of food supplies, narrowly missing the worst of an Atlantic depression which brought strong winds and rain to the UK.Earlier the same year, 70-year-old Frank Rothwell became the oldest man to row unaided across the Atlantic but he went from the Canary Islands to Antigua. Mr Bell's expedition was self-funded, with funds raised going to two charities, The SBS Association and Rock 2 Recovery UK.Do YOU have a story? Email William.G.Hallowell@dailymail.co.uk