Surfer attempts to foster better ties

HAVANA - Armed with only a surfboard and paddle, US athlete Victoria Burgess on Tuesday began her attempt to cross the Florida Straits between the United States and Cuba, about 170 kilometers wide.

She has only 30 hours to cover the distance if she is to write her name into the Guinness World Records, but she said "failing is not in my plans".

The 33-year-old surfer hopes that the feat can act as a beacon of friendship between the US and Cuba.