I'm satisfied that we gave up only when there was a threat to personal safety

Squadron Leader Phil Mitchell

Squadron Leader Phil Mitchell, who led the charity attempt, said he was proud of the effort the teams had made.

"These guys were right on their limit and swimming their hearts out. I'm very proud of them."

But Mr Taylor said he believed other considerations had been the over-riding factor in allowing the swim to go ahead.

He said: "To attempt the swim when the weather forecast was for force five or six winds was irresponsible.

Money-raising venture

"I am not criticising the swimmers themselves, but the people who advised them that it was safe to go. That was utterly reckless."

The swimmers set off from Shakespeare beach in Dover hoping to raise money for a special baby unit at a Cambridgeshire hospital.

Squadron Leader Mitchell said he was satisfied with advice from members of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation.

'Personal safety'

"As a serving RAF officer, I have a duty to watch out for the safety of my men.

"I'm satisfied that we gave up only when there was a threat to personal safety," he said.

Mr Taylor said: "Amongst marathon swimmers the Channel is considered the ultimate challenge.

"Putting to sea knowing that the weather forecast is bad is not the act of a responsible seafarer."