SBS’s ‘El Papichulo’ swims across Hudson River.

Spanish Broadcasting System and WSKQ La MEGA 97.9 FM announced the hit morning show, “El Vacilón de la Mañana,” was transmitting live on Thursday August 30 from the banks of the Hudson River. During the broadcast, DJ Leo Miches Amador, also known as “El Papichulo,” bravely swam across the river.

Juan Carlos, Frankie Jay & Los Mequetrefes were reporting on the great swim as the events unfolded right before their eyes. Additionally, Ana María, “La Nena”, was working as an on site correspondent, while listeners tuned in from New York, Miami, Puerto Rico and other parts around the world via the Internet on www.elvacilon.org http://www.elvacilon.org/>

Around 6:50 AM, “El Papichulo” started from the New Jersey side of the Hudson River at Fort Lee and crossed the river entirely on his own without the aid of special equipment or a safety boat along side him. He reached the New York side of the river at approximately 8:00 AM to the open arms of the law, who mistook his adventure for a suicide attempt when witnesses alerted them that someone had jumped into the river. He was interrogated for approximately 10 minutes before authorities agreed to let him and the “El Vacilón de la Mañana” crew go free as five other patrol units were arriving to the scene.

In addition to misled police and fire officials, The Maritime Unit also arrived from their 158th Street headquarters at the West Side Highway.

“Probably the hardest part of the swim was when I was in the middle of the river and I got caught in a series of swirls,” El Papichulo said. “When that happened, I was tossed about and turned around several times until I was able to swim free of the swirl using the momentum of the current. Needless to say, I was terrified and was completely regretting my decision!”

This swim is but one small example of how El Papichulo’s life has been a constant adventure. At the early age of nine, he got his first taste of performing in front of a live audience as the DJ for the bar that was owned by his father. At 14, he was officially invited to meet with the President of the Dominican Republic, Dr. Joaquín Balaguer, who bestowed upon him a bicycle in recognition of his outstanding academic achievements. In 2000, Amador joined SBS, and the “El Vacilón de La Mañana” morning show, becoming one of the most popular morning DJ’s and attracting the biggest audiences in the Tri-State Area.