What an amazing human achievement.

Former Royal Marine Dave ‘Dinger’ Bell is now less than 200 nautical miles from reaching his final destination on his epic – and unsupported – solo row across the Atlantic.

He launched from Liberty Landing Marina in New York, USA, on May 31 at 1.55am local time.

His destination – Falmouth in Cornwall.

The distance is 3,200 nautical miles but due to hurricanes, the gulf stream and huge waves, Dinger has already rowed 3,800 nautical miles.

September 21 was his 114th day at sea.

If the weather, and tides, work in his favour Dinger, who lives in Bere Regis, could reach Falmouth as early as this Saturday, September 25.

He would have just one day’s food to spare if that turns out to be the case.

So far Dinger, 49, has raised more than £26,000, including Gift Aid, for the Poole-based Special Boat Service Association and Rock2Recovery UK.

Dorset Biz News has followed Dinger’s adventure from the very beginning.

Our first report about his future plans appeared in December 2020.

Dinger was given the nickname (based on his surname Bell) on his first day with the Royal Marines – it’s been with him ever since.

He served 20 years in the Corps leaving in 2010 with the rank of Colour Sergeant.

Dinger left the Big Apple with everything he needed to complete the entire crossing.

Rowing solo from New York to continental Europe unsupported has never been done before.

Fewer than 60 people have ever rowed across the North Atlantic.

Over the last few months Barry Hayes, pictured right, who is handling Dinger’s social media and has himself rowed across both the Pacific and Indian Oceans, has kindly provided updates on Dinger’s progress.

If all goes to plan, this will be the last one from Barry…

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“With less than 200 nautical miles remaining, and a favourable weather forecast, it really does feel as though Dinger will finally make land after what has perhaps been one of the most incredible adventures of our time.

“But it’s not always been like that.

“In our last article on his progress Dinger had crossed the half way point and things were looking good.

“But just as he was making a beeline for the UK, the weather had other ideas by sending strong winds from the east, effectively blocking his progress and trapping him in ‘wind jail’.

“For three long weeks Dinger battled the conditions just to try and stand his ground.

“Dinger’s fight to remain stationary went on for so long that running out of food became a serious concern.

“He had to go onto half rations and opportunities to drop resupplies to him by aircraft, or by ship, were being discussed at length.

“Just as the support team were considering activating these resupply plans – which would have voided his crossing as ‘unsupported’ – the forecast changed.

“Finally, the conditions looked like they were going to lessen and allow him to make some progress.

“The following day the team got word that an enormous hurricane may hit Dinger at 140mph.

“Thankfully, the hurricane eventually headed north and it’s effect on the Atlantic sent waves towards Dinger that are currently helping him on his way.

“But it was another reminder that this has not been a simple crossing – there have been twists, and jeopardy, and danger at every turn.

“Even as I write, we are dealing with the reports of a potential tsunami that may be created by the volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands.

“However, despite the indicators of climate change exploding in all directions around him, Dinger is making excellent progress, and is almost home.

“Potentially he will land this Saturday, in Falmouth, with just one day’s food to spare!

“While timings and dates cannot be guaranteed – everyone is welcome to come down and cheer him in.

“We would ask that anyone coming to meet with Dinger takes a rapid flow test within 24 hours of coming down, and that they follow all local Covid procedures.

“He will be very weak and we need to protect him from getting sick when he arrives.”

• To donate to Dinger’s chosen charities please click here.