News
Camel Dive Club & Hotel in Sharm El Sheikh delays reopening until 2021
Camel Dive Club and Hotel Sharm El Sheikh has announced that it will delay reopening until 2021.
Here is their statement in full:
Dear Valued Camel guests and friends,
It is not very often that I feel I have to address you but today I am writing this letter to all of you with a heavy heart.
Since 1986, the date of Camel’s opening, we have had to endure and face many challenges. The last decade in particular was extremely hard due to the events that have taken place in Egypt and in particular the Sinai.
This time we are facing an unprecedented event that has shaken the whole world and forced us on March 19th into a temporary shut down of all diving and hotel activities. This worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and tourism has been the worst affected of all major economic sectors. Businesses were forced to shut down, many have lost their jobs and some have lost their lives.
Although the current situation is much improved, the uncertainty of flights remains a major hurdle for the resumption of travel. Therefore, I have decided to target the date of March 20th, 2021 for the reopening of Camel Dive Club & Hotel. We hope this will be the time when we all can travel, dive, dine, and enjoy holidays freely and safely.
My main priority from the date of the temporary shut down has been the livelihood of all Camel staff. It is the Camel staff that makes the whole Camel experience possible, something that you have grown to love about us. If I don’t have my staff then I don’t have Camel. I am not willing to lose my staff and will protect them whatever comes my way no matter how hard it gets. Each member of my staff is unique which I am sure you will agree with. I have taken it upon myself to make sure that every member of staff including my freelance instructors are looked after and still receive an income and does not have the door closed in their face.
In many countries, I have read about furlough and how governments have helped out small businesses. Please, let me assure you that unfortunately, this does not happen in Egypt. Here I had to take loans from banks because I felt that, ethically, I must support those who have been supporting me all these years and contributed so heavily in Camel’s success.
We are after all an extended family, Camel Family.
This is obviously a heavy financial burden during a time of no revenue and with the cost of living increasing, but the day that we reopen I want to reopen with all my Camel Family around me, I don’t see any other way.
I am sorry to break this news, I know many of you had holidays planned for the coming months, but again given the circumstances I believe this is the best course of action for Camel’s future and the safety of both our valued guests and staff.
As every cloud has a silver lining, due to the long break the underwater world is now even more spectacular.
We are here for YOU and waiting for you to come back and enjoy the unbeatable Red Sea diving again.
I really hope to see you all in 2021, we need your support now more than ever. We need you to get in touch and book now for next year, we need you to pack those dive bags dust off the logbooks and GET YOUR DIVE ON! Please tell your friends and family and get them involved.
I wish you, your family and loved ones well, stay safe.
Warmest regards,
Hesham Gabr
Founder & CEO
Please contact info@cameldive.com for further information or visit www.cameldive.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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