News
Russian divers take record-breaking plunge into Antarctic volcano (watch video)
A team of Russian divers from the expedition ‘Antarctica 100’ have dived 97 meters into the crater of an active Antarctic volcano. The seabed plunge in extremely cold water marked a world record, and served as an important test of diving techniques.
The expedition departed on a sailing boat from the Argentinian port Ushuaia to the Southern Shetland Islands in early December, with the aim of devising new methods of safe diving in cold waters and testing new experimental equipment for diving.
The team reached its destination – Deception Island, which is a caldera of an active volcano – after several days of sailing, but was then faced with a severe storm.
Due to the bad weather, the divers only had eight hours to carry out their long and complicated dive.
Aiming for a depth of 100 meters, the explorers reached the seabed at the 97 meter mark.
[youtube id=”TFpvar6jroI” width=”100%” height=”400px”]
“The current depth record for diving in Antarctica is 20m. No one has dived deeper. We have beaten that twice – 97m and 45m deep,” said team leader Dmitry Schiller.
The divers remained at the volcano’s deepest depth for five minutes, which gave them enough time to test equipment and take samples from the seabed. The temperature of the water was -3°C. It took the team 71 minutes to ascend due to deco stops.
The second dive was made only an hour later.
The expedition managed to test a new regulator and dive-computer, both of which were designed and produced in Russia.
However, the team members said the toughest challenge for them was not the dive itself – but their journey back.
“We had to pass through an ice field of small icebergs which almost cannot be seen,” Shiller said. “We had to turn away from them and we could not stop as we were on a sailing boat. Those three days were the toughest.”
The team consisted of 10 people; the youngest was 18-year-old Valery Saleyev, and the oldest was Andrey Filippov, 48.
Saleyev used the opportunity to take a selfie while making his deep dive.
Although the team has made a request for Guinness World Records to record their dive, their achievement has already been recognized by CMAS, which the team members say is recognition that is much more important for them.
Source: rt.com
Photos: Rustem Gilmutdinov
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