News
US Divers map submerged train wrecks in Delaware River
Two train wrecks submerged in the Delaware River are being mapped during a training exercise this week with the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area’s dive team.
In May 1948 and September 1975, train cars went off the track and into the river near Kittatinny Point. One was carrying a load of Miller beer, and old beer bottles can still be seen in one of the wrecks, said Michael Croll, park dive officer.
But don’t bother diving for beer, said Croll. The bottle caps rusted off long ago and many bottles are now filled with silt.
Every three years, the National Park Service requires divers to have 40 hours of refresher training. This week, the dive team’s six members are undergoing that training. The team will be expanded to 10 over the next few years as training continues, and four members are now certified in under-ice diving.
Joining the training session are two park service employees from Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. Isle Royale, in Lake Superior, is home to more than 10 shipwrecks and other submerged vessels.
In addition to search-and-rescue and recovery operations, park service scuba divers are also involved in natural and cultural resource inventory, such as mapping submerged cultural resources and monitoring aquatic invasive species. Divers also help public safety by installing navigational aids like buoys and channel markers, and perform maintenance like dam and pier inspections.
There are 27 park dive programs and about 225 park service divers in the US said Steve Sellers, the National Dive Safety Officer for the park service. Sellers works with the National Dive Control Board and oversees all safety aspects of diving in the NPS.
Most team members dive as a collateral duty and do other tasks for the NPS, said Sellers, who travels around the country training divers. The training team also includes Bert Ho, an archeologist with the NPS Submerged Resources Center.
Much of the training will take place in the classroom, where the science of scuba diving is covered, including physiology, physics, mathematics and medical treatment of diving illnesses and injuries.
The team will map the trains this week and learn how to use a portable decompression chamber to treat pressure-related injuries.
Paul Brown of Isle Royale said the river, at 57°F on Tuesday, seemed warm to him, compared to the chilly Great Lake where he usually dives. He also noted that visibility in Lake Superior is better than in the Delaware River.
Seller likened it to diving in iced tea or cola, with visibility up to 15 feet on good days. But at its deepest, about 60 feet, Delaware River divers will experience black-out conditions and must work by touch.
Source: www.poconorecord.com
Photos: Sue Beyer
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BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
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Our Mission
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Find Out More
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News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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