News
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center Sinks Multiple Wrecks Off North Bimini
On April 22, 2017, Bahamas dive shop, Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, in collaboration with Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew, sunk the 165 ft long J.P. Kipp Barge just miles off North Bimini. Within the following week, a 90 ft long Tug Manatee, a 70 ft long Landing Craft, dubbed “The Lady in Red” and a 30 ft Cuban Refugee Boat, were also sunk in the same area. All at a depth of 85 ft and within swimming distance, the 4 boats make up what is now called “The Coach Sugar Memorial Dive Site” — named after Bimini’s beloved chief youth mentor, Grathen “Sugar” Robins.
The Coach Sugar Memorial Dive Site is expected to have a booming impact on Bimini dive tourism. Once marine life begins to colonize, the wreck site will become home to a variety of reef fish, marine corals and various pelagic species.
“These artificial reefs provide a great sanctuary for undersea critters, help establish coral growth and recruitment, as well as being an awesome playground for scuba divers and water enthusiasts,” comments Duncan Brake, underwater cameraman and former Bimini Biological Field Station Manager.
The vessels — donated by Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew — are a welcomed addition to Bimini’s wreck dive options. Like the S.S. Sapona and Bimini Barge, the new boats come with their own colorful histories. Starting with the Tug Manatee, built in 1944, this craft was instrumental in the construction of Nassau’s mega resort Atlantis. Next, the Cuban Refugee Boat that ran ashore on Cat Cay in 2015 with 19 Cuban refugees on board — yes, 19! The passengers were said to have been found celebrating on the golf course thinking they had arrived in Miami. They were all sent back to Cuba.
Between the 4 companies — Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, Resolve Marine, Key Construction and Shannon Bullard and The Rock Shed Crew — an estimated one-half million dollars was donated in terms of cleaning crews, dive crews, dive equipment, monies and physical vessels. The sinking of these four ships was an incredible community effort and will no doubt benefit the entire Bimini — from divers to fishermen to hospitality establishments.
Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Center, located at the Bimini Big Game Club Resort & Marina, currently offers trips to the new dive site on an on-demand basis. Dive trips can be booked a la carte or as part of a Dive + Hotel Package. For more information about their dive rates and/or package information, visit www.biminiscubacenter.com or call 800-867-4764.
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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