News
New World record in free diving under ice
There are two different types of free diving – the better-known free diving for depth and the lesser known free diving for distance. But in both disciplines the divers use just one breath to get as far as possible.
Croatia’s Valentina Cafolla, 19, set a new world record for distance on Sunday 12th March to 125 meters beneath a sheet of ice up to 70 centimeters thick on the Lago Di Anterselva Lake in the Italian Alps – beating the previous world record held by Turkey’s Denya Can. Cafolla accomplished the feat on the second and final attempt after aborting her first attempt.
“I didn’t get the perfect breath before the start and started to panic a bit so I had to abort it after 75 meters,” the new world record holder said after making it the full 125 meters on her second attempt. It took her exactly 1 minute and 27 seconds. When she surfaced Cafolla struggled to stay conscious and thus fulfill the resurfacing requirement protocol of the world association. “I’m really happy that all the intensive preparation paid off,” said the Italian-Croatian dual citizen. “I’m also happy that I’ll be able to dive into warmer water next time.”
The person responsible for all images during this project was Subal ambassador and World known Extreme sports photographer Predrag Vuckovic. He used the Nikon D5 in the Subal housing, and the ND5 with Nikon lenses 16mm fisheye and 16.35mm. Water was clear but really cold (2C)! The biggest issue to capture this was low light underwater because of 50 cm thickness of ice and a large quantity of snow on the surface, but the good thing was it was sunny and a bright day. The final results of the pictures are really amazing!
A day earlier, 32 year old Arthur Guerin-Boeri of France also set a new world record – 175 meters under the ice at the Sonnanen See in Finland.
Photo credit: Predrag Vuckovic / extreme-photographer.com
News
Dived Up Publications announces the release of The Diver and the Cookby Lasse Spang Olsen
A ship lost. No survivors. A grim recovery mission begins, pushing a team of commercial divers well beyond their comfort zone.
Braving treacherous conditions, saturation diver Nico van Heerden single-handedly combs the cramped, debris-strewn, zero-visibility Jascon 4 shipwreck searching for any sign of the lost crew.
Then, in a scene akin to a horror movie, while exploring a small, isolated compartment, Nico feels a tap on his shoulder. Could someone have survived underwater for over sixty hours?
The Diver & the Cook is the incredible true story of a seemingly impossible underwater rescue. With first-hand accounts, authentic images and detailed reconstructions, author and documentary maker Lasse Spang Olsen brings this gripping tale to life. The book is the result of over four years of work, including intensive interviews, access to previously unknown material, and deep study of conversations and film recorded during the actual incident.
Witness the unwavering determination of the human spirit as Jascon 4 galley chef, Harrison Okene, fights for survival after his ship goes down. Meanwhile, rookie saturation diver Nico van Heerden faces a daunting challenge: spearheading the rescue mission in a perilous underwater environment. With time running out, what rules must the dive team break to save Harrison before it’s too late?
An unprecedented operation, this story provides a unique perspective on the dangers and challenges faced by divers, showing the importance of teamwork and communication in high-risk situations. An incredible survival story against all odds, with an equally surprising aftermath.
Quote from the author, documentary-maker Lasse Spang Olsen:
“There are a whole lot of different versions of this story out there. But I believe that by speaking directly to the key people involved, creating meticulous reconstructions and doing original research we have dug much deeper and got far closer to the truth about the rescue and the sinking than anyone has ever managed to before.”
About the author
Author and veteran filmmaker Lasse Spang Olsen – in a 40+ year career – has participated in stunts and FX on over 600 films, directed eleven features and filmed extensively underwater. He’s led expeditions uncovering historical mysteries like the Flying Enterprise wreck and documented adventures worldwide. He’s also a producer and lecturer. Originally published in Denmark as Dykkeren of Kokken (February 2024), this is his fourth book.
The Diver and the Cook (ISBN 978-1-909455-61-0) is released on 12 November 2024 in paperback and ebook. It is available via online retailers, bookstores, from DivedUp.com and to the dive trade via Nautilus UK.
Dived Up Publications website: www.DivedUp.com
Facebook @DivedUpPublications / Insta @diveduppubs / X @DivedUp / TikTok @divedup
News
Spooktacular Underwater Adventure: Oyster Diving’s First Halloween Scuba Party at Mercers Lake
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.
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