RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov 12 — A towering sandcastle in Brazil by an American artist is vying for the world record for the tallest of all time.

The 12-metre-high (39 feet) castle designed by American artist Rusty Croft was unveiled yesterday in the town of Niteroi, across the bay from Rio De Janeiro.

A team from Guinness World Records will visit the statue Wednesday to measure it for the record books.

View of a 12-metre-high sand castle that aims to be the world highest sand castle in Niteroi, Brazil, on November 11, 2014. — AFP pic
View of a 12-metre-high sand castle that aims to be the world highest sand castle in Niteroi, Brazil, on November 11, 2014. — AFP pic

The sandcastle, built of material that can withstand winds and rain, will be destroyed the same day.

Croft, who builds sandcastles around the world, built the structure backed by two American companies looking to promote their brands in Brazil. — AFP