Undercurrent Online Update
for Subscribers

For Subscriber David Denson Whiteside (with username 'dwhitesi' exp: 2024-08-20', at dwhite95815@hotmail.com )
November 20, 2013

Katy Stoke of Reef and Rainforest tells us that Sea Explorers was about to complete a new addition to their resort Ocean Vida. You can see what's left of the original property here. They expect to be open mid December and fully operational by February. Malapascua Exotic Island suffered less damage and will be open in a few weeks. They and several other dive shops have been making runs to collect and distribute supplies. Some divers went to Exotic as scheduled after the storm and are spending part of their holiday helping out. Several operators will be running again by next month although perhaps not with the level of comfort they offered before the storm. Some guests have been accommodated in other areas (Sea Explorers has branches in other areas where they are rebooking divers). Bohol, Dauin, Cabilao and Cebu City are fine -- a few downed trees and electricity out -- but that was quickly fixed.) As for the reefs in the area, one can only speculate until evidence is gathered. Siren Fleet and Atlantis Azores run liveaboards in waters that received the brunt of the storm. Siren Fleet just posted an album of the relief efforts onboard their vessel. Here is a general review of the damaged areas.

Have you ever been forgotten by your dive boat? Left to drift so long you became worried? Ended up too far from the dive boat to swim to it? Heard the tender looking for you, but were hidden by waves? We want to hear your story. We learned of a couple in Thailand that went missing and wondered if they would be found, so we thought our own readers might have plenty of stories to share. Please let me hear yours: EditorBenD@undercurrent.org

abruptly closed its doors in early November, with plenty of guests still at the lodge. Subscriber Rick Bates (Ajax Ontario) wrote that "after three days of diving, we were called down to the front lobby around 1:00 p.m. and told that the resort is closing its doors (bankrupt) and to pack our bags. We were being kicked out! Brian, the owner of Go West Diving showed up and explained that his operation was still open, and he is completely independent of the Kura Lodge." Rick eventually found another hotel, but if you have upcoming reservations, you may be left holding the bag.

When Paul Humann ran the Cayman Diver: Here's a link to a liveaboard trip from Grand Cayman to Swan Island to Roatan, aboard one of the very first liveaboard dive boats. And, you'll also find a good story on Scubapro's first decompression meter, that had no science behind it, no electronics, and was bending plenty of divers. Get the issue here.

On Sunday, November 17, Brooklyn free diver Nicholas Mevoli, 32, attempted to reach 72 meters on a single inhalation, with no fins or supplemental air. At 68 meters, or about 223 feet, he started to turn back, but dived down again in an attempt to reach his goal and achieve his second American record. He returned to the surface on his own power, but lost consciousness and could not be resuscitated. For the full story

If you're not a regular visitor to our Facebook page, you're missing unusual diving stories, such as the ugliest fish in the world, how a returning veteran emerged from the deep to surprise his family, and a report on dolphin's wet dreams. Give our FB page a go and pass it on to your buddies.

We've been critical about its' false perceived value when awarded to a diver with a handful of dives, but we did not know that Adolph Hitler was among the first AOW divers. There are and endless number of amateur dubs and subtitling clips from the 2004 Oscar-nominated film Downfall, but this AOW rant makes sense.

a couple recalls you might have missed: In June, 2500 DiveAlert and DiveAlert PLUS signaling devices were recalled because they can restrict air flow. Model numbers involved were DA2, DP2, or DV2 and can be used with Aqualung AirSource, Oceanic Air XS, Aeris Air Link and Mares Air Control regulator/inflators. Only these signaling devices without any stamped writing on the coupling's collar are included in this recall. For information contact: DiveAlert at (800) 275-4332 or visit www.divealert.com and click on Recall . . . . In July, Hollis recalled about 1000 Hollis DG03 computers sold between July 2011 through May 2013 because the computer, when used with an optional integrated transmitter, can display an incorrect tank pressure reading, leading a user unknowingly to deplete his air supply. Call Hollis at (888) 383-3483 or go online at www.hollisgear.com and click Safety Notices.

Our 2014 Travelin' Diver's Chapbook will be our December issue, emailed to you so you can download, print out, or read on line. You will also be able to order online as a paperback book, at our cost. Details the first part of December.

All reports should be submitted by November 28 to be included in the upcoming 2014 edition of the Travelin' Diver's Chapbook. Your trip report is vital to thousands of other Undercurrent readers who rely on the dive trip information from their fellow subscribers to plan their own trips. Hopefully, you have used their reports to help you plan and now is a chance to return the favor. And your report is vital to me, so I can keep up with the happening at dive resorts and liveaboards, and make assignments to our traveling (and anonymous writers who, like you, pay their own way). Submit your reports here - it's quick and easy, just answer the questions.

Ben Davison, editor/publisher
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Website Tips

Our 2014 Chapbook (available December) will be a big help in your planning. Also at any time you can generate a personalized collection of the newest reader reports of your choosing using our MiniChapbook facility -- read them online or download as a pdf. For example, if you're thinking about a trip to Raja Ampat, you can quickly assemble all recent reader reports on liveaboards there and read what other Undercurrent subscribers thought about different operators. Or if you're dreaming about Little Cayman, see all recent reports on dive operations there. It's a quick and easy way to personalize the information you need from the Undercurrent website.

Dave Eagleray, webmaster
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