Raising the Dead (Extreme Cave Dive to recover body of lost diver)

Outside Online ^ | 8/1/2005 | Tim Zimmerman

[Tallguy]

DEEP-WATER DIVERS have always been the daredevils of the diving community, pushing far into the dark labyrinths of water-filled holes and extreme ocean depths. It's a small global fraternity—there are no more than a dozen members—and in the history of recreational diving, only six people other than Shaw have ever pulled off successful dives below 820 feet. (More people have walked on the moon, Don Shirley likes to point out.) At least three ran into serious trouble in the process (including Nuno Gomes, who got stuck in the mud on the bottom of Bushman's Hole for two minutes before escaping). And two have since died: American Sheck Exley, who drowned while diving the world's deepest sinkhole, Mexico's 1,080-foot-deep Zacatón, in April 1994; and Britain's John Bennett, who disappeared while diving a wreck off the coast of South Korea in March 2004.

"Today extreme divers are far exceeding any reasonable physiology capabilities," says American Tom Mount, a pioneer in technical diving and the owner of the Miami Shores, Florida–headquartered International Association of Nitrox and Technical Divers (IANTD). "Equipment can go to those depths, but your body might not be able to."

[Tallguy]

This is a GREAT read, but very long. Even if you're not interested in diving, this is a well written piece that really gives you a feel for the dangers involved in deep diving.

[Tijeras_Slim]

I've read about cave and wreck diving, and unlike other loungechair adventure, I was scared enough to not even want to daydream about it.

[Tallguy]

I've done a little bit of wreck diving -- underline a little bit! Deep wreck penetrations are very risky. Cave diving just gives me the creeps.

[Tijeras_Slim]

You're a braver FReeper than me, stay safe.

[End Times Sentinel]

Yeah, this sounds like a great read if you're keen on inducing the kind of nightmares that leave you shooting bolt upright screaming your lungs bloody.  Thanks much for the warning.  I'll be thinkin' of you as I lay in bed, covered in a cold sweat.

Owl_Eagle

(If what I just wrote makes you sad or angry,

 it was probably sarcasm)

[speed_addiction]

I dive, though I haven't in years, and I must say, that is one of the most well written and absolutely terrifying articles I have ever read. I am getting goosebumps all over again just posting this.


What We Are About To Do Here Is What The Good Lord Would Call A Cleansing of the Wicked. I Call It A Good Old Fashioned Texas Ass Kicking.

[Revelation 911]

fantastic read