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Russian divers take record-breaking plunge into Antarctic volcano (watch video)

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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

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The ‘Big Scuba Day Out’ – The Ultimate Day for Water Lovers!

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Big Scuba Day Out

Get ready for an unforgettable day of adventure, exploration, and all things scuba and watersports! Oyster Diving’s Big Scuba Day Out is taking place on Sunday, 4th May 2025, at Mercers Park, near London —and best of all, entry is completely FREE!

Whether you’re a seasoned diver, a total beginner, or just looking for a fun day out by the water, this event has something for everyone — including lovely walks around the lake with your four-legged friends!

Come and experience the latest dive gear from some of the world’s leading brands, including Santi, Suex, Apeks, Aqualung, Garmin, GoPro and XDeep. Get hands-on with dive scooters, cutting-edge dive computers, and high-performance gear designed to take your underwater adventures to the next level.

Take part in fun dives with expert guides try out other exclusive demo kit. Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, try out new equipment, or simply enjoy the stunning underwater world of Mercers Park, this is the perfect opportunity.

A special raffle in aid of the Shark Trust will include prizes such as PADI branded goodies, Apeks 30m reel and wet notes, and Shearwater Peregrine TX worth £689!

As a special highlight for those wanting to “live the dream”, Course Director Mark Taylor and PADI Regional Manager Emma Samuelsson will be giving an exclusive talk at 12:00 PM about how to become a PADI Pro, including Divemaster and Instructor pathways. If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your passion for diving into a career, this is the perfect chance to get insider knowledge from one of the best in the industry.

Not just for divers, the Big Scuba Day Out also offers a variety of watersports courtesy of www.aquasports.co.uk. Try your hand at kayaking, paddleboarding, or other exciting water activities.

After all the action, relax on the beautiful lake terrace, where you can enjoy a selection of delicious food and licensed bar while soaking in the breathtaking views.

Don’t miss this incredible day of diving, watersports, and fun for the whole family. For full details and to register your interest, visit Oyster Diving’s website. https://oysterdiving.com/diving-club/uk-diving-trips/the-big-scuba-day-out-4th-may/.

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Experience a night Dive at the West Rock Shipwreck with Euro-Divers

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There’s something magical about night diving— the ocean transforms into a whole new world, alive with mystery and wonder. At Euro-Divers Meeru, we love sharing this unique experience with our guests, and the West Rock Shipwreck is one of our favourite sites for night diving.

Here’s why:

Setting the Scene

The adventure begins at 17:30 as divers gather on the boat. After thoroughly checking our equipment, the boat departs for the dive site. The 15-minute journey is a treat, with the calm sea and the soft glow of the setting sun creating the perfect atmosphere.

Arriving at West Rock, the boat gently moors above the wreck. As our team briefs you on the dive, we will walk you through the special night diving techniques, such as using a torch and maintaining buddy contact, ensuring you feel confident and prepared. While we wait for the sun to set, there is time to relax with a cup of tea or coffee and take in the breathtaking colours of the Maldivian sunset.

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The Dive Begins

Once darkness settles, it’s time to dive. The West Rock Shipwreck—a small cargo freighter sunk in 1999—rests at 20 meters on a sandy plateau. Over the years, it has become a vibrant reef, teeming with marine life.

As we descend, the beams of our torches cut through the dark water, revealing the wreck’s coral-covered surfaces. It is always thrilling to see the wreck come to life under the light. Colourful nudibranchs, scorpionfish, frogfish, and shrimps are just a few of the creatures that call this wreck home.

We often find parrotfish and pufferfish inside the wreck settled in for the night, while lionfish and moray eels lurk in the shadows. We frequently spot larger residents, too—Napoleon wrasse or even a resting nurse shark, peacefully tucked away beneath the ship’s hull. Every corner of the wreck offers something new to discover.

Underwater Galaxy

As the dive comes to an end, we have one final highlight to share. During the safety stop at 5 metres, we may ask you to switch off your torch and gently move your hands through the water. This action stirs up bioluminescent plankton, lighting up like tiny stars surrounding you— a magical, otherworldly experience that never fails to amaze.

Post-Dive Bliss

Emerging from the dive, we are welcomed by the cool night air and a canopy of stars. The boat crew helps us as we climb aboard, where hot tea or coffee awaits to warm us up. The journey back to shore is filled with shared stories and a sense of camaraderie that only diving together can create.

Night dives like this one at the West Rock Shipwreck offer more than just an exploration of marine life; they remind us of the beauty and mystery of the underwater world.

For more information, contact the Euro-Divers Meeru team at meeru@euro-divers.com or visit www.euro-divers.com.

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