Diver Sets World Record Holding Breath For 24 Minutes And 33 Seconds Underwater

Croatian Budimir Buda Šobat was already the Guinness World Record holder but he fancied having a bash at beating his own record, which he did, setting a new time of 24 minutes and 33 seconds.

Šobat carried out the impressive feat at a swimming baths in Sisak, where he was supervised while supporters and members of the media looked on.

In preparation for his attempt, Šobat increased the oxygen levels in his body by hyperventilating on pure oxygen just moments before he plunged his head underwater.

Thanks to breathing in this pure oxygen, Šobat was able to hold his breath for more than double the current world record for static apnea, which does not use additional oxygen beforehand.

Šobat, a former body builder, is what is known as a 'static diver' and also held the previous record of 24 minutes and 11 seconds.

Over the years he's trained his body to pump oxygen more slowly and he's also prepared for the involuntary muscle spasms which kick in around the 18 minute mark.

Šobat says the spasms actually help as a coping mechanism and keep him conscious while he's beneath the water's surface.

Anyone else think all of this sounds absolutely terrifying?

Despite how gnarly it might seem to you or me, Šobat says he was inspired to give it a go by his 20-year-old daughter Saša, who has cerebral palsy, autism and epilepsy.

And, as well as setting a new world record, Šobat used the event to raise funds for the area, which was sadly hit by an earthquake back in December.

Šobat hopes to rebuild the Room of Miracles of the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Sisak-Moslavina County, which was completely destroyed in the quake.

Šobat told Jutarnji before the event: "I am going to dive guided by the logic that I get involved, the best I can, to beautify and help in the efforts of everyone there."

The 47-year-old managed to hold his breath for two minutes and 42 seconds - or 202m (662ft 8.7in) - to claim the title.