News
Barbados – Diving the Stavronikita
The Stav, as it is affectionally known here, was a 120m long Greek freighter. She had a fateful end. On the 26th August 1976, when crossing from Ireland to the Caribbean, she caught fire and 6 of her crew perished, while 24 others drifted for four days before eventually being rescued. The ship was towed to Barbados where she remained for two years, before being bought and stripped by the Parks and Beach Commission to be sunk as an artificial reef. She lies in 40m of water, with her forward mast, at 18m, looming out of the blue as you descend.
We had one dive on this magnificent wreck, but really you need at least 3 dives to do her any justice. The first thing you notice, as you drop into the clear blue water, is just how big she is. There is just so much to explore, and having been underwater for nearly 40 years, she has an incredible abundance of growth and just teems with colourful marine life. One of the highlights is the forward mast, which is caked in coral, sponges and some of the sea fans appear to reach out to you, to embrace you. As this part is relatively shallow, this is where many divers spend a lot of their dive-time. You could spend a whole dive just on this mast, as we mostly did, photographing the owner of our dive centre, Barbados Blue.
We did, however, also venture to the bow, and completed a quick tour along the port side to get a feel for what else there was to see. Huge sponges and black gorgonians adorn every feature on the deck, and we would have loved to drop down to the bottom to photograph the props, but there is only so much you can do on a single dive.
But there can be no doubt, this is a fantastic wreck, and one we hope to get the chance to dive again before too long; it is right up there with some of the top great Caribbean wreck dives.
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.
Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.
Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?
The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.
Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?
An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.
Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:
“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”
About the author
Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.
The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.
Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News1 month agoTry BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest