News
Tributes paid to former BSAC Chairman and pioneering diving author, Kendall McDonald
Former BSAC Chairman and journalist Kendall McDonald has sadly passed away aged 87 following a long illness.
Kendall, a prolific and renowned author who penned several key diving and wreck books as well as writing for BSAC’s magazines, including Neptune and Diver, where he worked as their Wreck Consultant. It was thought that he was the famous Beachcomber in Diver Magazine but never proved.
A founding member of Bromley SAC, Kendall learnt to dive in the early 1950s and served as BSAC Chairman between 1975 and 1977 before being awarded honorary life vice presidency. He also played a key role in organising the second World Congress of Underwater Activities in London in 1963.
A former managing editor of the London Evening News, Kendall was a passionate exponent of branch promotion, working as BSAC’s Press Officer and encouraging BSAC clubs in their own promotion of UK diving. He regularly promoted diving in the national Press, writing and presenting Britain’s first TV series about diving and was one of the first journalists to dive on the wreck of the Mary Rose in Hampshire’s Solent.
Kendall also edited the first BSAC book – The Underwater Book – featuring BSAC divers’ stories, including accounts from Alexander McKee and his successful search for the Mary Rose and Derek Cockbill on the salvaging of the Maine.
In 2009 Kendall was awarded BSAC’s Colin McLeod Award for his significant contribution to diving publications. In the same year he was elected into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame.
Over the years Kendall amassed a significant collection of diving books and publications, many of them now rare items. In 2013 he donated his collection to the British Sub-Aqua Club, where they have pride of place in BSAC HQ in the Kendall McDonald Library.
BSAC’s Chief Executive, Mary Tetley, paid tribute to the former BSAC Chairman.
“I worked with Kendall when we were on Diver Magazine together. He was an amazing storyteller and an awesome larger than life character and I would listen to him for hours. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to his family – Kendall was one of our pioneering divers and wreck authors and he will be sorely missed.”
Kendall McDonald’s funeral will be held at All Saints Church, Thurlestone on Friday 24 January at 3pm. Instead of flowers there will be a collection on behalf of Cancer Research, Devon Air Ambulance and the MS Society.
For more details please email maryt@bsac.com.
On his recent trip to dive with Scuba Scene, Jeff Goodman had a chat with the Red Sea liveaboard’s General Manager, Ahmed Fadel, about the vessel’s safety measures and how the wellbeing of their passengers is their top priority.
To book your next Red Sea dive adventure on with Scuba Scene, visit oysterdiving.com/trip/scuba-scene-red-sea-egypt.
News
Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet Announces Customer Appreciation Sale for Caribbean Explorer II
Buy One, Get One for $999 – Plus Special Savings for Solo Travelers
Explorer Ventures Fleet is celebrating divers and our friends who make it all possible with an exclusive Customer Appreciation Sale aboard the Caribbean Explorer II. This is the liveaboard itinerary that started it all in 1987, and there’s no better way to say thank you than with incredible savings on diving in Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten.
Customer Appreciation Sale Details
- Buy one full-price trip, bring a companion for $999
- Solo travelers receive $800 off retail price
- Caribbean Explorer II / Saba, St. Kitts & St. Maarten
- Travel Window: August 1 – November 1, 2025
- NO Blackout Departure Dates: Book any scheduled departure date within the travel window
- Booking Deadline: March 31, 2025
Diving in this region offers a mix of dramatic underwater landscapes, intriguing marine life, and historic wrecks. The waters surrounding Saba Marine Park are home to towering pinnacles formed by ancient lava flows, sheer walls, and coral-covered seamounts, where reef sharks, turtles, eagle rays, and schooling fish are often spotted. Just across the channel, the dive sites of St. Kitts provide a variety of underwater scenery, from gently sloping reefs to spur-and-groove formations, with shipwrecks now serving as habitats for lobster, stingrays, and barracuda. With up to five dives per day, this itinerary offers a mix of exploration and adventure in the heart of the Caribbean.
Between dives, the islands offer even more to discover with Explorer Ventures Fleet’s optional land tours. Stroll through Saba’s Windwardside Village, where red-roofed cottages and lush mountain views create a picture-perfect setting. Take in the breathtaking scenery along “The Road That Couldn’t Be Built”, or visit a local glassblowing and art studio to see island creativity in action. The magic of the Caribbean extends beyond the water, and whether you’re diving beneath the waves or exploring these charming destinations, you’re sure to fall in love with the unique beauty.
This limited-time offer is the perfect excuse to grab a dive buddy and experience the best of Saba, St. Kitts, and St. Maarten at an unbeatable price. Book by March 31, 2025, to take advantage of these exclusive savings. www.explorerventures.com/saba-st-kitts/
Contact Information
Explorer Ventures Fleet
Email: info@explorerventures.com
Phone: 1.800.322.3577 (US/Canada), +1.307.235.0683
Website: www.explorerventures.com
About Explorer Ventures Fleet
Since 1987, Explorer Ventures Fleet has been redefining liveaboard diving, offering exceptional dive experiences across the globe. With a commitment to safety, sustainability, and top-tier service, the fleet provides divers with unforgettable access to some of the world’s most spectacular underwater destinations.
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