News
Divers say they can give quarry a safe and useful future
Transforming a quarry where two teenagers died into a water sports and diver training centre has been suggested as a way of enhancing safety at the site.
Divers who use Prestonhill Quarry in Fife say that establishing the first centre of its kind in Scotland there would allow access to the water to be controlled and leisure use to continue.
Since John McKay, 18, drowned last month, there have been calls for the flooded Inverkeithing quarry to be drained and filled in.
Gillian Barclay, whose son Cameron Lancaster, also 18, lost his life there just 10 months earlier, is among those who want to see a community takeover of the site to allow it to be filled.
However, divers have initiated talks they hope could result in the quarry being retained with authorised access only.
Qualified BSAC instructor Andrew Murray said: “The dive community is absolutely shocked and saddened by the loss of life at the quarry.
“Many of those in our group are parents and we share the feelings of the community.”
But he added: “We feel that draining the quarry and filling it in will just move the problem elsewhere.”
He and fellow divers hope to meet councillors and representatives of the community and emergency services soon to put forward proposals which he said could go towards making the quarry a “safe and sustainable” place.
The quarry is regularly used by dive clubs from around Fife, Lothian and further afield.
Mr Murray said: “There are a number of flooded quarries in England that are safe and sustainable inland water sports centres but Scotland has nothing like this.
“Perhaps now is the time for Prestonhill Quarry to become a legitimate centre with a range of safety and security measures.”
Such an initiative, he reckoned, would cost thousands of pounds, compared with the hundreds of thousands of pounds that buying and filling in the quarry would.
He said: “If it was agreed that a water sports and activity centre was the way forward, then with some very straightforward measures around safety and security access could be controlled.”
Effective perimeter fencing could be installed to restrict access to authorised users, he said, and life-saving equipment and security cameras monitored by police installed.
He continued: “One of the reasons that people are going to the quarry is that it is seen by them as an illegitimate destination.
“We feel we have something to offer the local community by way of education, training and providing facilities for people to do something positive rather than go there for other purposes.
“We are aware there is an initiative to buy the quarry. We don’t want to appear insensitive to that but at this stage we feel that all options should be on the table for making it safer.”
Mr Murray said the proposal would have been made eventually had the tragedies not occurred but that they underlined the need to do something.
Source: www.thecourier.co.uk
Photo: Olaf Pe
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.
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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.
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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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