News
BSAC divers save up to 25% at Marsa Shagra & Wadi Lahami with Oonasdivers
UK-based Tour Operator Oonasdivers are encouraging BSAC divers to book early for January and February 2018 by offering 25% discount on their standard packages to Red Sea Diving Safari resorts Marsa Shagra & Wadi Lahami.
Prices start from as little as £360pp including transfers from Marsa Alam airport, 7 nights full board & selected soft drinks in a twin share beach safari tent, and five days diving.
These special packages are offered excluding flights to enable divers to take advantage of the often lower-priced flights to Hurghada or the latest extra flights to Marsa Alam. The team at Oonasdivers will be delighted to help you find the best flights to either airport, many of which are available with regional departures from the UK.
Staying and diving with Red Sea Diving Safari gives you a sense of space and freedom that you simply don’t get from a liveaboard or a large hotel. Each village offers diving that is suitable for all levels of experience, and accommodation to suit varying tastes and budgets.
Marsa Shagra is the most well-known and cosmopolitan of the Red Sea Diving Safari Villages. Shagra’s most attractive appeal is its mix of modern luxury and natural simplicity, giving you the best of both worlds. Shagra is just a 30-minute transfer from Marsa Alam airport and 2.5 hrs from Hurghada.
Marsa Shagra has one of the biggest, richest and most pristine house reefs in the southern Red Sea, and has been declared a protected area for the last 20 years, boasting at least five endemic species.
From sharks to nudibranchs, octopus to turtles, damsels to rays, this stunning reef really does have something to excite everyone, and with a depth range from 5m – 50m it’s suitable for all levels of ability.
The standard diving package at Marsa Shagra is unlimited and unguided house reef in buddy pairs. The house reef is open 365 days a year, from approx. 6am until 9pm. Included within your standard dive package are two orientation dives on your first day.
Wadi Lahami is a secluded village in Egypt’s pristine Deep South. This destination is for the true explorer featuring an almost completely empty coastline.
Wadi Lahami is definitely one Egypt’s last frontiers and an extremely valuable natural resource. Every diver should visit Lahami once in their life and explore the world-class Fury Shoals, the most pristine dive sites in the whole of the Red Sea. The hard corals of this enormous reef complex are believed to be one of the best examples worldwide.
The standard diving package at Wadi Lahami is five days off shore diving, four RIB dives per day.
For more information or to book, contact the Oonasdivers team now by calling +44 (0)1323 648924, email info@oonasdivers.com or visit www.oonasdivers.com.
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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