News
UK scuba diving instructor fighting extradition to Malta over diving deaths

A dive instructor from the UK is fighting extradition to Malta where he faces charges of causing the deaths of two friends during a diving holiday.
Stephen Martin, 55, has been charged with two involuntary homicides by Maltese authorities after Larissa Hooley, 48, and Nigel Haines, 59, died while diving in June last year.
However, Mr Martin, who has been diving for 15 years, insists he is innocent and has launched a battle against the order which says he should be extradited to the island to face the charge, which carries a maximum ten-year prison sentence.
He has faced extradition for a month now and described his ordeal as ‘horrendous’.
The former IT manager was diving with seven of his friends from the Brighton branch of the British Sub-Aqua Club, based in Shoreham, when Ms Hooley descended from about 49ft below the surface to 114ft without warning.
Mr Haines and fellow scuba diver Jeremy Coster went down to help her and brought Ms Hooley to the surface but she died on the shore.
Mr Haines was then also found dead in the water.
Mr Martin said: “At first no one knew why she went down. I thought she dived down because she dropped her torch but she just kept getting lower and lower.
“Nigel and Jeremy dived down to help her because she started swimming erratically and was breathing rapidly.
“When they got to her she was limp and her eyes where just glaring; there was nothing there. It was just terrifying.”
He described how he pulled Ms Hooley back to shore and tried to resuscitate her.
A German doctor on the beach rushed to their aid but couldn’t help her.
“I just felt empty,” Mr Martin added. “I couldn’t believe what was happening.”
Unbeknownst to father-of-three Mr Martin, Mr Haines was also in trouble after helping to rescue Ms Hooley.
“He had a burst lung through going to the surface not breathing,” Mr Martin said. “But because he was on the surface he looked like he was okay.”
An inquest into the deaths on June 17, 2014, concluded they were accidental, with both divers suffering from immersion pulmonary oedemas which can affect the respiratory system.
However, the Maltese authorities have accused Mr Martin of being ‘negligent in his obligations’.
They claim he ‘failed to keep a close watch’ of his dive buddy Ms Hooley and should have called off the dive in Gozo due to bad weather conditions.
Mr Martin denies the charges. He said he had been ‘conscious’ of the weather conditions and had abandoned an earlier dive due to poor weather.
He added he had taken advice from local divers about where a safer place to dive would be.
“This was a holiday, there was no official leader of the group,” he said. “I feel like I’m being made a scapegoat by the Maltese government.”
A judge in London approved Mr Martin’s extradition, following a hearing on July 8. However, Mr Martin has lodged an appeal with the High Court.
Source: www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk
Photo: Derek Martin
Marine Life & Conservation
British duo compete to find world’s rarest sharks in Netflix reality series ‘All the Sharks’

British shark specialists Dan Abbott and Sarah Roberts take to the seas in All the Sharks, a major new reality TV series on Netflix.
This six-part competition follows the pair as they go head-to-head against three teams across six stunning global locations, in pursuit of the world’s most elusive sharks. With points awarded for each species spotted, Dan and Sarah must seek out elusive and unusual sharks to stay ahead in the race.
Featuring rare encounters and firsthand accounts from those on the frontlines of marine conservation, All the Sharks is an action-packed, family-friendly series that combines intense competitor drama with heart-racing underwater adventures. Underwater cinematographer and UK shark guide Dan Abbott reflects: “This series has taken us to some of the remotest parts of the world, sharing the water with iconic species.

ALL THE SHARKS. Episode 6 of ALL THE SHARKS. Cr. Courtesy of Netflix, © 2025
“The sharks we encountered are unique, misunderstood and many of them, completely unknown. Shining a spotlight on these incredible animals will help people appreciate them in a whole new way.” Eco journalist, author and presenter Sarah Roberts, says.
The pair are no strangers to global adventure, having collaborated closely for seven years, with Dan typically behind the camera and Sarah in front. Their projects have taken them from the icy Arctic to tiger tracking in Indonesia. Along the way, they’ve encountered alligators and venomous snakes. But this venture is regarded as their wildest yet.
Throughout filming, Dan and Sarah captured footage of as many rare sharks as possible, using their extensive experience to maintain a respectful approach to all shark encounters and ensure minimal disturbance.
The series arrives at a time of growing interest in shark conservation in UK waters, where sightings of basking and blue sharks are growing, making the British connection to these incredible animals more relevant than ever.
All the Sharks is streaming now on Netflix.
Gear Reviews
BARE: 53 Years of Innovation

53 Years Deep
53 years ago, the idea for BARE was kindled in a small shop on the coast of British Columbia. Two passionate divers—hellbent on crafting a drysuit capable of surviving their frigid local waters—came together with a vision and a dream.
53 Years of Innovation
With every stitch, they innovated. Through every failure, they pushed. Not for profit, but for performance. To provide the sport of diving with equipment that fit better, functioned better—and lasted longer.
Ever since, BARE has continued to push, with innovations like their revolutionary Graphene Omnired® thermal technology, their impenetrable No-Stitch Technology, and their relentless dedication to Fit, Craftsmanship and Innovation.
More Than 5 Decades of Passion
Just like their founders over five decades ago, heart and passion drive every suit the BARE team make today. Because, like their founders, they don’t just make the suits—they dive in them. It’s this strong culture and unrelenting dedication that has transformed BARE from that small British Columbia shop into a truly global brand. And they’re just breaking the surface.
So whether you’re taking your first paddle strokes, or venturing out on a worldwide dive odyssey, BARE have the experience and know-how—53 years’ worth—to keep you safer and more comfortable in the water.
When you’re ready, BARE won’t be hard to find. They’ll be there—In Your Element—53 Years Deep.
Sea & Sea is the home of BARE and other Huish Outdoors diving brands in the UK.
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