News
blue o two present their brand new Red Sea itinerary
UK-based diving tour operator blue o two has announced their brand new Egypt itinerary, ‘Rocky, Zabargad and St. Johns’.
Guests that book on to this safari on board one of the newly updated Red Sea fleet will have the chance to dive at some of the world-famous marine parks of Rocky and Zabargad, as well as focusing on the stunning reefs of St. Johns and Fury Shoal, with the advantage of being away from the crowds.
Itinerary highlight Zabargad Island is an incredible dive spot that divers following the Rocky, Zabargad and St. Johns route will visit. The island of Zabargad is characterised by an enormous mountain that reaches out of the water, surrounded by a spectacular lagoon and circling reef. There are a couple of wrecks to dive as well as a great variety of corals and reef fish.
Divers on this brand new itinerary will also have the chance to explore Rocky Island. Hosting a fringed reef that circles the entire perimeter of the island, dropping to astonishing depths, the stronger currents ensure that the blue is full of life.
St. Johns is also on the diving highlights and enables divers to experience drop-offs, tunnels and explore the stunning hard-coral formations. If guests have the opportunity to explore St. Johns Caves or Umm Kharalim, they will discover a truly unique photographer’s heaven, with rays of light filtering through into the stunning tunnels. The marine life and colours of the soft corals at St. Johns are some of the best in the Red Sea. Here divers may be lucky enough to swim with dolphins and pelagics.
The ‘Rocky, Zabargad and St. Johns’ itinerary will also take guests to Elphinstone Reef, a Red Sea legend. This finger shaped reef has north and south plateaus covered in hard and soft corals, yet is unpredictable and a truly awesome location where hammerhead sharks are regularly spotted in the summer and oceanic whitetip sharks often congregate in large numbers during the autumn.
This new itinerary offers the perfect opportunity for divers to explore some of the most renowned dive sites in the Red Sea.
The blue o two Red Sea fleet carries out a range of exciting itineraries from the north to the deep south of the Egyptian Red Sea. Every itinerary covers a variety of diving highlights that makes each trip unique.
For more information about blue o two, their ‘Rocky, Zabargad and St. Johns’ itinerary and other worldwide scuba diving holidays, visit www.blueotwo.com. Alternatively, speak to their expert travel team by emailing divingholidays@blueotwo.com or by calling +44 (0)1752 480808.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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