News
Business as usual for the Red Sea Resorts
Despite the horrific scenes of violence in Cairo that we’ve all seen on the news over the last few days, the official line from the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is that it is still safe to travel to the Red Sea Resorts in Southern Sinai.
This is the FCO’s current (as of the morning of Friday 16th August) report for the Red Sea Resorts:
In the governorate of South Sinai the FCO advise against all but essential travel, with the exception of the Red Sea Resorts including those in the entire region of Sharm el Sheikh, Taba, Nuweiba and Dahab; the St Catherine’s Monastery World Heritage Site; road travel between the Red Sea resorts; road travel from the Red Sea resorts to St Catherine’s Monastery approaching from the east; and transfers between the resorts and the airports of Taba and Sharm el Sheikh.
In Hurghada on 14 August there were some violent clashes, in an area away from tourist resorts. One man was killed. Hurghada Police advised tourists to remain in hotel grounds. We advise you to follow their advice. You are strongly advised to avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings. If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately. Do not attempt to cross road blocks erected by the security forces or protestors.
Here’s what some of the dive centres in the Red Sea had to say:
“Thanks to all those who have been in touch to ask how we are. Just to let our divers know it’s business as usual here in Sharm El Shiekh. Our night dive last night, Thistlegorm this morning and our usual day boat were not affected by the events in Cairo. Sharm is peaceful and quiet as usual. For those of you concerned about the profits of the Stella Bar, please be reassured that the Elite Team are doing their utmost to keep them in business! ” – Elite Diving
“Many thanks to all our guests who have contacted us about the situation in Sharm El Sheikh. Sharm El Sheikh and surrounding areas remain completely calm despite recent unrest experienced in Cairo and other large Egyptian cities. All our diving and snorkeling trips continue to run as normal. Today we have approximately 40 guests diving with us, with three boats departing for daily diving at Tiran and local sites. We have plenty of new divers taking PADI courses diving from our beach and diver training pool. Guests from nine European countries including the UK are staying with us at Camel Hotel at present. Our own restaurants, bars and beach are operating as normal, as are other venues in Naama Bay. There are no restrictions on the consumption of alcohol. Internet and mobile phone networks are fully working.” – Camel Dive Club
“An update from Sharm: The sun is out, The sky is blue, There are no tanks or fights to spoil the view, On a day like this the only thing missing is you!!!!! As ever Sharm is safe and hundreds of miles from the troubles in Cairo, so don’t let what you see on the news put you off – we hope to see you soon!” – Red Sea Diving College
“We will bring you more details as and when there are developments, but in the meantime we would like to reassure all our guests, friends and agents that our three southern villages are completely unaffected and are a long way from these incidents. Our guests on site are enjoying their holidays and diving as usual with no effect from events going on elsewhere in Egypt. We are also in close contact with authorities in Marsa Alam and Hurghada to ensure that should any incidents occur in these cities, we will be well-informed. ” – Red Sea Diving Safari
For a full report on the FCO’s travel advice for Egypt, visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/egypt
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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