Watch the rowers begin
their attempt at dawn.

A group of men from Croatia set off from the
East Kent coast early this morning to row to France.

The team consists of eight rowers, a
drummer who beats time, and a helmsman who steers the craft using a
rudder at the stern.

They are using a traditional Croatian rowing
boat and say it will be the first time such a craft has made the
crossing, if they are successful.

They set off from St Margaret's Bay, between
Dover and Deal, this morning, and hope to reach France some time
this afternoon. They are being escorted by two safety boats.