News
Why is the Zenobia known as the Titanic of the Mediterranean?
The wreck of MS Zenobia is considered to be the Jewel of the Mediterranean. It has also be referred to as the Titanic of the Mediterranean due to her size and the amount of divers that dive her every year from all around the world.
A Brief history of the MS Zenobia
The Zenobia was a Swedish built roll on-roll off ferry that was on her maiden voyage from Sweden to Syria in June 1980. During this voyage she repeatedly suffered problems with her onboard computers that controlled the ballast system. Multiple attempts were made to fix the fault, however all the attempts proved fruitless. On the 7th of June 1980 at approximately 2.30AM the MS Zenobia listed to the point of no return and sunk with an estimated 200 million pounds of cargo on her. She now lies on her port side, on the seabed at 42 metres, just 1500 metres outside of Larnaca harbour.
Why the Zenobia is my favourite wreck
My answer is simple: the sheer size and accessibility of this wreck makes her my favourite wreck dive. The Zenobia is over 174 metres in length, and 28 metres wide. As she is lying underwater on her side, the top of the wreck is just 16 metres beneath the surface, making her accessible to all levels of divers. The Zenobia is also fully intact. Her main cargo consisted of 104 articulated trucks, many of which can be easily seen by recreational divers exploring the external part of the wreck. During their second dive recreational dives will also get to swim through the bridge and cafeteria part of this immense wreck.
The Zenobia is a truly outstanding wreck for technical divers. There are countless routes that can take technical divers into the Zenobia: exploring the three cargo decks where divers can see intact trucks, spilt cargo including packed sleeping bags, and thousands of dehydrated alcohol bottles. One of the most interesting areas to explore is the middle lorry deck where divers can visit the blue Lada that belonged to the Captain, as well as the forklift truck and the auxiliary engine room. Other popular routes include the engine room, chain locker, and accommodation areas.
Dive Stop are specialists in offering tailor made dive and accommodation packages to the Zenobia as well as many other stunning local dive sites.
To book your next dive adventure in Cyprus contact us today!
Website: www.survivalbuddies.com
Email: divestop@survivalbuddies.com
Call: 00357 23102359
Facebook: www.facebook.com/survival.protaras
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
Cozy and warm in cold water.
It’s drysuit season all year round. With the new RS series premium drysuits from DYNAMICNORD, divers are perfectly equipped for all cold waters.
The sophisticated cut of the RS drysuits allows complete freedom of movement, providing maximum comfort. The high-quality 350 g/m² ripstop material with double ripstop zones on the elbows, knees, and crotch protect ensures extreme robustness as well as long life.
The suit’s features leave nothing to be desired: A high-quality TiZip zipper, easily adjustable inlet and outlet valves, upgradeable with electrically heated underwear, HP bottleneck cuffs made of high-strength latex on the wrists, a 3mm neoprene neck cuff for maximum comfort, a 7mm hood with air outlet and 3mm boots made of double-sided, cross-layered neoprene with ankle straps and fin strap stoppers and a protective but very flexible sole.
Noteworthy is the Molle fastening system, which can be used in a variable and compatible manner. This way, the two detachable leg pockets can be attached easily, safely and comfortably.
Alterations of boots to a different shoe size or adjustments to neck or wrist cuffs are done free of charge at the own DYNAMICNORD service centre in Germany in only a couple of days.
The matching Dynaskins made with high-quality Polartec® technology are available in various designs. As an undersuit under the drysuit, as a single suit in warm waters or as a two-piece suit. Polartec® technology’s main features are neutral buoyancy, breathablilty and quick-drying.
Dynaskins are made largely from recycled plastic bottles.
The drysuit RS-351 for men and RS-352 for women are now available at your DYNAMICNORD dealer and in the online store.
Colors men and women: Black-Blue and Black-Burgundy
Sizes men: XS-4XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, MLS, MLT, LS, LT, XLS, XLT, 2XLS, 3XLS, 4XLS
Sizes Women: XS-XL incl. intermediate sizes MS, MT, LS, XLS
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
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