News
Thailand Cave Rescue
Tham Luang Cave Rescue Talk at TekCamp 2018 Speakers: John Volanthen & Chris Jewell
There was a real buzz in the packed room in The Talbot Inn in Mells, Somerset, where divers gathered at the end of the first day of TekCamp 2018 to hear about the story that gripped the world earlier in the summer.
The room was packed, with standing room only as John and Chris took the stage. They were introduced by Tim Clements from Vobster Quay / TekCamp. We could not wait to hear, straight from the horse’s mouth, what had actually happened in those weeks in June and July when divers strove to rescue the young Thai football team and their coach.
John Volanthen started the talk, giving those attending a real feel for the task that lay ahead of the rescue team. The boys and their coach had ventured into the cave on a bright sunny day, with no indication of what might lie ahead of them. In fact, it was heavy rain the night before, that took 12 hours to seep through the hills and into the cave system, that was the cause a rapidly rising water cutting them off. As concern grew, so did the numbers in the rescue effort at the mouth of the cave system, but it was Vernon Unsworth, who lives in Thailand and was expecting to dive the cave system that very week, who saw the need to a specialist cave diving team to get there as soon as possible. John was one of the first to fly out, on the 26th July, along with Rick Stanton, and the two of them got straight off the plane and into the cave to check out the situation that faced them.
The water column kept on rising, at a rate that was visible to the naked eye. Something drastic was happening. More rain was falling, and this was torrential monsoon rain that brings huge amounts of water to the area in a short space of time. John described the dives as being something like “white water caving” such was the current they had to make progress against. Soon, the dry chambers at the mouth of the cave entrance were filling up too. But the rain did stop, and pumps worked day and night to try to bring down the water level in the various cave chambers.
The Thai Navy, who comprised experienced divers, but none with cave diving experience, took hundreds of cylinders to chamber 3. The US Para-Rescue team arrived and started co-ordinating the various rescue teams on the ground. The diving started up again, and the UK team decided that as there were lots of available cylinders and the cave system was shallow, they would use simple open-circuit dive gear for their search and rescue dives. After two more days of laying lines and progressing further into the caves, John and Rick surfaced in an air bell. Rick, who is “built for smelling”, detected a scent and as they looked around they suddenly saw people moving around and were overwhelmed when they confirmed that they had all 13 alive standing in front of them. “There is no training course that can prepare you for this!” They handed out spare lights and John promised they would come back for them. At Chamber 3, they handed video footage of the survivors to the Thai team, and before they got out of the cave system, the whole world knew what they had found!
It is at this point that Chris took over the talk, as it was this point in the story that he was called, whilst giving an early morning tv interview, to ask him to come out to Thailand ASAP and to bring over 300kg of kit with him. Just after Chris arrived, the tragic death of Thai Navy Seal, Saman Kunan, was announced. The UK divers were not on site at the time and did not know what happened. On Chris’ first full day in the region, he, along with Jason Mallinson, did a supply run to the kids, giving them a chance to experience for themselves the challenge ahead, along with taking the much-needed food rations to the survivors. That evening, a team of 3 UK surface controllers arrived, to help with the planning and co-ordination of the rescue. A plan was starting to form, and it involved full sedation using Ketamine, positive pressure full face masks and pure oxygen.
Before the rescue began, the boys (and their families) were told about the plan and agreed to it. The four British Divers would dive a boy each through the cave system, with an Australian anaesthetist giving the initial injection. At each point in the cave system where the divers would surface, more diving and medical specialists would be on hand to assist, but the underwater sections would be done as one cave diver with one boy. Diving unconscious kids through a cave system had never been done before, the risks were great, but there were no alternative options. “We knew it was a high risk rescue with a high probability of fatalities”.
The distance from Chamber 3 to the area where the boys were located was around 1.5km, with sections that were either fully,or part submerged. The kids themselves decided who got to go first, and so “the ones with the furthest cycle home” were the first to be rescued! The four UK divers: John Volanthen, Chris Jewell, Rick Stanton and Jason Mallinson began their rescue attempt with 3 cylinders for themselves, plus an O2 cylinder for the boy they would be rescuing. They ditched one of their tanks at the turning point, the kids would get themselves into their wetsuits, be sedated, and then carrying them facedown, they began their long journey back to Chamber 3. Once at Chamber 3, a medical team and the Thai Navy were there to rush them to the cave entrance and onto hospital.
The first day saw 4 boys being rescued to huge praise from everyone on site, and around the globe, but the team had to do it two more times. “We really didn’t believe we would have total success”.
John takes back the chair and continues the story at this point in proceedings. The final day dawned and they had 4 more boys and the coach to get back to safety. The rain had started, and it felt like “luck was on a razor edge”. The Americans had smuggled in KFC and Jack Daniels into Chamber 3 to celebrate with the dive team as they finished their amazing rescue. John reflected that their success was down to everyone there: military, cave divers and even the politicians who took hard decisions. “They trusted us and we didn’t let them down”.
Standing ovation for John Volanthen and Chris Jewell
This was without doubt the most incredible talk on diving we have ever been too. Well done to the TekCamp 2018 team for arranging it, and a huge thank you to John and Chris for their honest talk about an event that gripped the world for nearly 3 weeks. To get such a detailed insight into this rescue was amazing. The bravery shown by these two divers and all those that took part in this rescue is admirable and the fact that they were so humble in describing events made them seem even more like modern day super heroes that they clearly are.
For more on TekCamp visit the website by clicking here.
Here’s some of the latest tourism news and happenings from Yap, a unique destination in the Federated States of Micronesia.
Visitor Arrivals Double – Yap’s tourism sector continues to rebound with visitor arrivals in 2024 so far almost doubling the number for the same period in 2023. The island welcomed 1825 international stayover visitors between January to August 2024, compared to 945 in 2023, a 93% increase. “We are thrilled to see this growth in our visitor numbers, which indicates that our comprehensive advertising, public relations, social media, and trade show attendance campaign over the past year and a half in the Guam, US and European markets is generating impressive results,” commented Susan Gooliyan, General Manager of the Yap Visitors Bureau- Yap to Host the 2025 Micronesia Expo – Save the date as Yap will be hosting the 4th Micronesia Expo, which will run from July 21-25, 2025. This annual Expo is designed celebrate the rich culture and heritage of all states that comprise the Federated States of Micronesia. Planning activities have already started in terms of determining venues, activities and travel arrangements for participants. This year’s Expo was held in Chuuk State in July and Yap was represented by a strong delegation of 40 persons.
- Coral Geographer Cruise Ship Visits Yap – The main and outer islands of Yap welcomed 80 Australian cruise passengers on board the Coral Geographer from September 3-6, 2024. The Yap Visitors Bureau provided greeter services the visitors, as well as branded promotional giveaways. A special Air Nauru flight was arranged from Cairns, Australia to pick up the 80 departing passengers and drop off passengers who were joining the cruise in Yap. The Coral Geographer was the second cruise ship to visit Yap in 2024 and the island is actively targeting small niche cruise lines that ply the Pacific area.
Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean that is ringed by spectacular coral reefs and famous for its scuba diving with giant manta rays and sharks and exploring World War II shipwrecks. Other key activities on the island include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and deep-sea and reef fishing. Yap is also uniquely famous for its stone money (huge disks of stone, which are still used today in major transactions), strong traditional culture and way of life, and welcoming residents. Just a short flight away from Guam or Palau, this Pacific gem is one of the tourism industry’s best kept secrets. For more information on visiting Yap go to www.visityap.com.
Indigo Safaris invites you to experience the incredible wildlife of the Sea of Cortez, home to numerous exciting megafauna migrations, including the mesmerizing Munk’s Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula munkiana), more commonly known as mobula rays. Twice a year, tens of thousands of these rays gather in the waters from Cabo San Lucas to La Paz, with the peak season occurring between May and July. Our exclusive mobula and orca tour offers a front-row seat to this breathtaking spectacle, along with the chance to encounter other remarkable marine creatures. With only 11 guests on board, this intimate adventure is not to be missed.
Pricing:
- 5 Superior Suites at $3,100 USD per person, including tax (3 suites remaining)
- Single Suites at $3,875 USD per person, including tax (limited availability)
- $35 USD port fee paid on board
Inclusions:
Accommodation, all meals (continental breakfast, breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert), non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, daily room service, towels, and access to onboard facilities such as the hot tub and lounge… and, of course, plenty of fun!
Exclusions:
Airport transfers, bar, gift shop purchases, crew gratuities, and internet access.
The Wildlife
Orcas
Commonly referred to as killer whales, orcas are actually large dolphins and apex predators. Males can reach up to 30 feet in length and swim over 35 mph, but it’s the matriarchs who lead the family pods. Resident and oceanic orcas stay in tight family units, while transient orcas travel in smaller groups or alone. On this tour, we seek out orcas from the Eastern Tropical Pacific population, which travels between Baja and Costa Rica.
Flying Rays of the Sea of Cortez
Below the water, the vibrant colors and geometric patterns of mobula rays create a hypnotic scene, perfect for photographers. Above the surface, these acrobatic creatures, spanning 5 to 7 feet across, are known for their spectacular leaps out of the water. Some of the more athletic rays can soar over 10 feet, and we believe these high-flying jumps may impress the females during mating displays!
The Escort: Photography Coaching
Onboard, guests will receive expert photography coaching from Indigo Safaris’ founder and renowned underwater photographer, Christopher Bartlett. With more than 100 published articles and multiple dive magazine covers to his name, Christopher will guide guests from the basics to advanced lighting techniques for macro and wide-angle photography. He has been leading cetacean trips since 2015 and brings a wealth of experience with marine species, including mobula rays, sperm whales, humpbacks, and sharks.
The Trip
Embark on the luxurious 116 ft Nautilus Gallant Lady, a six-cabin expedition yacht, and follow this epic migration across the Sea of Cortez. Suitable for snorkelers, swimmers, and divers of all experience levels, guests will have ample opportunities to spend time in the water with the mobula rays. Some encounters may last only minutes, while others could extend over an hour, allowing guests to join the rays in the middle of their squadron. Nighttime encounters with schooling rays, illuminated by the yacht’s dive lights, add a magical element to the adventure.
Beyond mobulas, the trip also offers encounters with dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. Unlike shore-based trips, our itinerary includes remote locations and unique experiences, such as swimming with dolphins and witnessing bait balls being preyed upon by predators like tuna and dorado.
Who is this trip for?
This trip is designed for non-divers and snorkelers, with only one day dedicated to scuba diving, which is also suitable for snorkelers.
Itinerary Overview:
Day 1:
Arrive at the Nautilus-owned SeeCreatures dive center in Cabo San Lucas. After a warm-up dive or snorkel, enjoy a safety briefing and board the Nautilus Gallant Lady in the evening. Settle into your cabin as we sail toward the Sea of Cortez.
Day 2 – Meet the Mobulas:
Our expert crew, with over 47 years of experience in the area, will guide you on your first encounters with the mobula rays. For those interested, freediving lessons will be available. Guests can also relax on the sundeck or enjoy the yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards.
Days 3 and 4:
With five-and-a-half hours of aerial spotting provided by our expert pilot, guests will maximize their chances of encountering mobulas and orcas. Snorkelers and freedivers will take turns experiencing the wildlife up close, with two hours per group before swapping. Expect truly unforgettable encounters.
Days 5 and 6:
Continue the search for mobulas and orcas, with a special nighttime snorkel in a calm bay where lights will attract the rays as they feed on plankton, providing a spectacular show.
Day 7:
On the final day, snorkel or dive at Cabo Pulmo World Heritage Biosphere Reserve, known for its abundance of marine species. The day concludes with dinner under the stars as we sail back to Cabo San Lucas.
Day 8:
After breakfast, disembark in Cabo San Lucas.
Will We See Orcas?
There is a 50% chance of seeing orcas on any given day, increasing significantly with five days of aerial spotting. Our expert pilot and master spotter will work tirelessly to maximize your chances of encountering these magnificent creatures. Guests may also encounter dolphins, sperm whales, fin whales, and even whale sharks in this pelagic paradise.
Recommendations:
Indigo Safaris suggests arriving in Cabo San Lucas a day before boarding, with an overnight stay at Los Tesoros, conveniently located next to the dive center.
The Nautilus Gallant Lady:
Accommodating just 11 guests in nine luxurious suites, the Nautilus Gallant Lady offers both standard and premium suite options, each with private en-suite bathrooms and modern amenities. Aboard this iconic vessel, guests can enjoy a fusion of Mexican and West Coast North American cuisine, expertly prepared by our onboard chef.
Join Indigo Safaris for this unforgettable wildlife adventure in the Sea of Cortez!
For more information or to book, contact Indigo Safaris:
Email: safariexperts@indigosafaris.com
UK: +44 771 334 27 29
USA: +1 718 312 8777
France: +33 668 74 97 05
Skype: christopherbartlett
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