News
Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors Launch New Book in London
Divers, underwater photographers and journalists from across the UK joined Scubaverse.com’s Underwater Photography Editors Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown at Ocean Leisure in London last night for the launch of their new book ‘World’s Best Wildlife Dive Sites’.
Also in attendance were the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and the South Australian Tourism Commission, both of which organised trips for Nick and Caroline so they could do research and take photos for the book. The two organisations were definitely in the party mood; the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism got things started with some Bahama Mamas (a concoction of white rum, dark rum, coconut rum and fruit juices), and the South Australian Tourism Commission supplied red and white wines from the region and a Virtual Reality headset experience which gave party guests the opportunity to ‘dry dive’ with the fur seals of South Australia.
Underwater Photographer and BSoUP (British Society of Underwater Photographers) Chair Paul Colley, who has written the Foreword of ‘World’s Best Wildlife Dive Sites’, said: “It’s been a superb evening. It’s been great to get underwater photographers together like this to chat and swap stories and ideas – in fact as a community, we don’t do this sort of thing nearly enough.
“I’m a huge fan of the book, which is why I was delighted to write the foreword for Nick and Caroline. These days we all have such limited time to fit everything into our lives, and it’s hard sometimes to figure out what to do next; so it’s great when a book like this comes along which is so inspirational and really gets you fired up for your next trip.”
Later in the evening, celebrity wine critic, writer and Nick’s personal friend Oz Clarke joined the party to offer his support too.
“We were overwhelmed by the turnout this evening, and would like to say a big thank you to all who came and of course to Ocean Leisure for hosting the event,” said an elated Nick at the end of the evening.
World’s Best Wildlife Dive Sites is a 288 page hardback book, published by Reed New Holland. It boasts some 250 images from 16 countries. Each of the 32 locations is chosen for a particular key wildlife phenomenon, whether that is coral reefs, whales, seals, manta rays, and so on. Each chapter comprises captivating images, a written account and a concise fact-panel outlining the key species, tips for visitors, equipment to take and the best time to visit.
Experiences include: crocodiles and silky sharks in Cuba; Great White Sharks and Weedy Seadragons in Australia; Whale Sharks of Mexico and Manta Rays in the Maldives; Hammerhead Sharks in the Bahamas; Basking Sharks and seals in the UK; turtles and Humpback Whales in the Caribbean; schooling fish and corals in Egypt; the Sardine Run in South Africa; Manatees and kelp forests in the USA; and the critters of Indonesia. It will be the ultimate tour of the world’s marine wildlife hot-spots, guaranteed to whet the appetite of divers, snorkelers and armchair naturalists everywhere.
Nick and Caroline are a husband and wife team of underwater photographers. They both have degrees in biology from Manchester University, with Caroline also having a masters in animal behaviour. Nick has been awarded a Fellowship from the Royal Photographic Society and he also has a diploma in teaching studies (Dip Ed). They are ardent supporters of marine conservation and hope that their images can help to inspire people to look after our seas and oceans.
‘World’s Best Wildlife Dive Sites’ is available now in hardback for £19.99. Buy it here.
To find out more about Nick and Caroline, visit www.frogfishphotography.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.
-
Blogs3 months ago
Gozo: An Underwater Treasure Trove in the Heart of the Mediterranean
-
News3 weeks ago
Iconic SS United States to become the World’s Largest Artificial Reef
-
Blogs2 months ago
NovoScuba’s Game-Changing Approach for Dive Store Owners: WE PAY YOU!
-
News1 month ago
Book Review – 52 Assignments: Underwater Photography
-
Marine Life & Conservation3 months ago
Book Review: Sharkpedia
-
Gear News1 month ago
DYNAMICNORD – New German diving brand enters the British market
-
News1 month ago
Exploring Cenote El Pit: A Diver’s Dream
-
Gear News2 months ago
Try BARE drysuits (and maybe even win one!) this Friday with Sea & Sea at North West Dive Fest