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Why is the Zenobia known as the Titanic of the Mediterranean?

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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

Will Stratford has dived for over 25 years and became a dive professional in 2000. He has spent many years diving and working in Cyprus and returned to the island in 2017 after owning Vivian Dive centre. Will now manages Survival Dive Stop. He is a PADI IDC Staff Instructor, BSAC Open Water Instructor, and teaches both open circuit and closed circuit Technical Diving. Find out more at www.survivalbuddies.com.

Gear News

Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Workhorse – our CS-30

For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.

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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.

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Octopus OP-30

The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.

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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.

www.dynamicnord.com

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Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

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paul watson

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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