The stunt was recorded by a German TV show after a viewer wrote in disputing an earlier claim on the show that it would be theoretically possible to water-ski behind an ocean-going cruise ship.

Reporter Dirk Gion, 40, took up the challenge "to prove it could be done".

He was brought up to the correct velocity by a speedboat and then switched over to a line pulled by the 575 foot cruiser MS Deutschland.

Mr Gion managed to stay afloat behind the vessel as it travelled at 17 knots for over five minutes.