News
Deptherapy announce new relationship with Blue Abyss
Deptherapy, a UK based charity that seeks to rehabilitate seriously injured British Armed Services Personnel who have suffered life changing mental or physical injuries through the medium of scuba diving, has announced an exciting new working relationship with Colchester based Blue Abyss.
Here is Deptherapy’s official press release:
The Board of Directors of Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education are delighted and proud to announce a close relationship with Blue Abyss.
When we were first contacted by John Vickers, the MD of Blue Abyss, he explained the size and shape of his plans for the World’s largest covered water training facility. It is going to be amazing. When you hear the words Largest and World in the same sentence you have to ask for more detail.
The project involves an approximately 50m deep shaft, state of the art lecture rooms, hotel, with on-site baro medicine – all of which are of great interest to our charity and will provide tremendous benefits to our client-base of ex-military and blue-light disabled. John went on to say that one side of the pool was to have two lanes at 2m depth to allow free diving to take place as they swim 50m lengths at 2m. He then wanted advice on the best way forward for the facility to become fully inclusive. On the diving side John had already planned a shallow entry system, chair hoist and nonslip surfaces as well as purpose-designed changing facilities and equipment cages at ground level.
Once we heard this we became very supportive of the project. To be included at the outset of planning is a real bonus and we want to integrate as many of our experiences in this early phase so that all Deptherapy divers can add true value. Deptherapy and Deptherapy Education are fully behind Blue Abyss and understand what they are going to achieve in complementing all forms of diving.
Richard Cullen, Chairman of Deptherapy said: “Last year Frank Buchanan of the Scuba Trust described us as ‘setting the standards for the dive industry’ in respect of disabled diver training. Being asked to advise and work with Blue Abyss on this exciting project is an acknowledgement of our preeminent position as the leading disabled diving training agency.”
John Spencer-Ades, MD of Deptherapy said: “We have celebrated our first year as an English charity and what better birthday present could we have than being asked to advise on this project. The commitment from John and his team to make this an accessible and disabled friendly environment is heart-warming.”
We, the Board recognise the need for such a facility and look forward to being able to use it when it is open as it adds a level of safety and progressively controlled but demanding experiences for the practice of essential skills and drills at depths before progression to open water.
For more information about Deptherapy visit www.deptherapy.co.uk.
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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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