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Kefalonia – a press trip to remember
As you may have read in our previous blog about this trip, we were not blessed with the best weather. Our original itinerary was to see us dive four of the World War II wrecks that can be found in the waters around Kefalonia: HMS Persius, F495 Landing Craft, Junkers 88 & SS Ardena. The Persius was, in our opinion, going to be the highlight – a British submarine lost in 1941 that has the incredible story of a single survivor who made the 50m ascent and 5 mile swim to shore. The SS Ardena tells another terrible story; she sank after hitting a mine with over 700 Italian prisoners of war on board, all were lost, along with the crew. The Junkers 88 Luftwaffe bomber plane broke up in the crash leaving only the engines and tail at a depth suitable for the recreational diver.
Alas, die to high winds, we only got to dive one of these four amazing wrecks and that was the German F495 landing craft that sank close to shore in shallow waters. The waves had already stirred up the sandy bottom and so the visibility was down to less than 5 meters when we got in. However, this vessel was carrying a huge array of supplies and so exploring the seabed trying to identify the objects that you find makes this a good dive in all conditions. There were a huge number of depth charges on board when she was sunk and these litter the seabed. Look more closely and you can find large anti-submarine nets, jerry cans, wheels from vehicles, ammunition and we are sure a keen eye and good knowledge would lead to even more discoveries.
Our only other dives were to be in caverns. Our fresh water experience you can read all about here in our previous blog. We did manage a sea cavern too, which offered shelter, but the highlight of this dive was actually the surrounding area, where ancient amphoras and ship ballast could be found amongst the sea grass.
Our hosts were keen to make sure that we also experienced some of the culture that Kefalonia has to offer and so we were treated to huge and excellent meals at every opportunity. Sometimes it seems impossible, whilst still eating lunch at 4pm, that we would have to do this all again in just a few short hours! But with amazing fresh food and great local wine, beer and spirits, this was a real treat. As our diving was cut short, we toured the island, visiting a vineyard and also touring a fresh water cavern, similar to the one we had dived the day before.
In peak season, flights from the UK go direct to Kefalonia, however we went just as the season ended and so had to travel via Athens. This, however, gave us a wonderful opportunity to take in the sights and sounds of this historic capital city.
Kefalonlia is only a short hop away from the UK and, whilst we did not see the best of it underwater, it is clear that there are fantastic scuba diving opportunities here. We hope we can return next summer to dive the WWII wrecks, re-visit the fresh water caves and take in some of the many other dives this beautiful island has to offer. It is also time to dust off our copy of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin…
With thanks to:
For more from Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.com.
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.
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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