News
Help Blue O Two raise $15,000 for the Hurricane Dorian relief aid
Two weeks ago, the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian made landfall in The Bahamas; the strongest to ever hit the region. The impact has been devastating. There are now over 50 confirmed fatalities, with 1,300 people still listed as missing.
When Hurricane Dorian hit the north of The Bahamas on 1st September 2019, wind speed reached up to 185mph (298km/h). The main towns were flooded by storm surges, metres above normal sea levels. The powerful winds and water ripped houses apart, tore boats from moorings and dragged vehicles and debris across the islands.
Dorian’s slow progress (only 1mph at times) concentrated the storm over the islands, increasing the extent of the damage. It’s the fifth Atlantic hurricane to reach the highest category in the last four years.
Blue O Two has pledged to raise $15,000 to aid the relief efforts in The Bahamas. They plan to purchase a Watermaker, with all remaining monies donated to Bahamian charitable organisations and local businesses.
To achieve this fundraising target:
- £5,000 has already been donated by Blue O Two’s Directors & Investors
- Blue O Two can now accept donations from customers. Any donations made will be matched by Blue O Two, up to a value of $200 per transaction.
- Some upcoming trips are affected by this disaster aboard M/V Bahamas Master. For all customers choosing to rebook for a later date in The Bahamas (rather than cancelling), Blue O Two will donate $200 towards the target.
- Blue O Two staff are being actively encouraged to suggest fundraising ideas – more on this to follow.
What else can you be doing?
- MAKE A DONATION. Even if you’re travelling with Blue O Two elsewhere, they will match every single donation pledged, up to $200 per transaction.
- KEEP BOOKING HOLIDAYS. The Bahamas has already been decimated. The worst thing to happen now for the local economy is for tourism to falter too. Whether you come diving with Blue O Two, or book with another tour operator, really doesn’t matter. They WILL rebuild, and they need visitors to keep coming next year.
- DON’T CANCEL YOUR TRIP. If you’re given the option, please consider moving to a later departure date in The Bahamas. As mentioned above, for everyone who does, Blue O Two will donate $200.
Together, with staff and customers, Blue O Two hopes to make a big difference for the people of The Bahamas.
Find out more at www.blueotwo.com
Last Thursday, Oyster Diving transformed Mercers Lake into a hauntingly unforgettable underwater realm for their inaugural Halloween Scuba Party. Approximately 20 intrepid divers plunged into the darkness, weaving through a mesmerising scene of spectral decorations, glow sticks, and eerie underwater pumpkins.
After the thrilling night dive, participants gathered to feast on a ghoulish spread of pumpkin soup, chilli con carne, and decadent fudge brownies, perfect fuel for the frightful festivities.
With a resounding success, Oyster Diving is excited to announce plans for this event to become an annual tradition. Next year, look forward to a fully licensed bar and live music, promising an even spookier celebration under the moonlit waters.
Join us next Halloween for an experience that promises to be a haunting delight!
Find out more about Oyster Diving at oysterdiving.com.
After a two-year tour of UK art galleries, community spaces and aquariums, the Shark Trust’s acclaimed Oceanic31 exhibition takes its final bow at the Royal Geographical Society later this month. And the unique collection of artwork, depicting 31 species of oceanic sharks and rays, donated by 31 artists, is now open for bids from art lovers and shark enthusiasts. The online auction, launched today, will close on the 7th December at 8pm (BST). The money raised will support the Shark Trust Oceanics Programme.
People can now bid on 27 of the artworks by visiting this website:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
It is a chance to own a beautiful piece of original art and to support the Shark Trust. The timing of the auction also means that these would make a very special Christmas gift for any shark-lover.
-
- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
-
- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
-
- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
-
- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
-
- Silky Street by ScapaJoe
The diversity of pieces mirrors that of the sharks and rays they represent. You can bid on paintings, digital creations, sculptures, mixed media and more. You can pick your favourite artist or species of shark. Or you can select the perfect artwork to make a statement in your home or office. Whichever you choose, you will be supporting the work to protect these amazing animals.
One of the pieces of art has been selected to be auctioned live by Steve Backshall at the For the Love of Sharks event at the Royal Geographical Society in London on the 29th November. In addition to this, two further pieces will be raffled at this event, giving people a chance to win an incredible piece of shark art. For the Love of Sharks is the Shark Trust’s flagship evening. A night to celebrate sharks. Steve Backshall is the headline speaker at this event that will see other prominent shark advocates join him on stage.
Tickets for the event can be snapped up here:
https://thesharktrust.org.uk/Event/flos24
Those that would like to see the Oceanic 31 exhibition have one final chance. It is being displayed at the Pavilion at the Royal Geographic Society from 26th November until the 7th December. Entry is free.
Find out more here:
https://www.rgs.org/events/upcoming-events/oceanic-31
Paul Cox, Shark Trust CEO, Said “This exhibition has given us the opportunity to reach out to a new audience. And inspire more people with the wonderful sharks and rays on which our Big Shark Pledge campaign is based. We are immensely grateful to the 31 artists who have worked so hard to create these works.”
Bid for your favourite Oceanic 31 artwork here:
https://superstars-auctions.com/sharktrustauction
Banner Image: Smooth Hammerhead by Alicia Hayden
-
Blogs3 months agoGozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks agoIconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months agoNovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month agoBook Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months agoBook Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month agoDYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month agoExploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Blogs3 months agoFreediver Christian Redl Sets His 13th World Record at Lake Neufeld