News
Saeed Rashid: Wrecks of Aqaba at the July NUPG meeting (Watch Video)
The July NUPG meeting saw another top-notch guest speaker take to the virtual stage. Saeed Rashid joined the group to talk about diving in Aqaba and in particular the wreck photography opportunities this unique destination offers.
Saeed is a popular speaker at the dive shows and many of us have seen his engaging, interactive talks about underwater photography. He decided to offer the NUPG members something a little bit different and talked about his travels to Aqaba and the opportunities there for underwater photography. He started off with some beautiful shots of coral and marine life under jetties, as well as on the local reefs, but then quickly moved on to the main topic – the wrecks of Aqaba.
Saeed divided up the many wrecks into some of the older artificial reefs sunk in the 80s, like the Cedar Pride and the “tank” (which is not actually a tank but an anti-aircraft gun). He moved onto the deeper wrecks that can only really be visited by technical divers and finally talked about the many wrecks sunk more recently to attract new divers to the region. There are 2 big planes to explore: a C-130 Hercules and a Lockhead Tri-Star along with the Military Museum, which has over 20 military vehicles to explore.
Saeed showed off his wonderful underwater images from the press trips he has done there, and in doing so, made us all wish we too could dive there. Saeed finished up by showing us stunning topside images from Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.
You can watch the video of Saeed’s talk here:
As always, the NUPG members also had a chance to show off some of their images in the monthly competition. This month’s theme was “Molluscs” and many were surprised at the range of marine life that fitted into this category.
The winning shot of a squid was taken by Ken Byrne on a night dive in the Lembeh Strait
The runner-up was a stunning octopus shot by Justin Beevor, taken on a night dive on The Barge in the Red Sea
In third spot was Maggie Russel with a lovely shot from Manado, Indonesia
For more information about the NUPG please visit the website by clicking here.
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.
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- Bigeye Thresher Shark by Janina Rossiter
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- Carcharodon carcharias by Jimmy Higgs
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- Croc VR 2030 by Tom Mead
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- Oceanic Whitetip by ATM
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- 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
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