Liz started diving in 2001, qualifying for her BSAC Sports Diver qualification in the murky waters of Stony Cove in the Midlands.  Having rapidly deciding that UK quarry diving was not for her, Liz would describe herself as a ‘sunshine only diver’.  Despite organising an expedition to the Red Sea she was unable to attend due to operational commitments, therefore all her diving has been through personal holidays (and personal expense!).  This has included diving off the coast of Zanzibar and Pemba, and Live-aboards in Thailand and the Red Sea.  Highlights include diving with Manta Rays, dolphins and Whale Sharks.  During this expedition Liz hopes to expand her diving experience and conduct her Dive Leader training.

Expedition Dive Location Feature:

As part of her Dive Leading, Liz acted as Dive Marshall for the day’s diving under the supervision of Peter g.  The findings of the night before meant that it was decided that there would only be one more dive on the debris field with the other dives in the area concentrating on marine surveys and shining.

 The first dive of the day saw us heading out to one of the outer reefs on an island called Vashifaru.  Diving to a maximum depth of 30 minutes everyone found it enjoyable to be back to normal diving with an abundance of marine life.  Sightings included a number of turtles, sting rays amongst much other variety. 

 For the second dive of the day we returned to the debris field of the Catalina Quest for everyone to see what was still left of the Catalina in its original resting place.  Whilst not openly discussed I do not think that there was anyone who did not feel somewhat somber and contemplative when diving in the area.  We were certainly mindful of the crew who had lost their lives in the incident.  This area was a final resting for 8 of the 10 crew (the other 2 having been recovered and buried on one of the islands before being returned to the sea) who took off from Kelaa on flight AJ 160 on 02 Feb 44.

 For the last dive of the day we went to a local reef off the island of Vashafaru.  This location was dubbed ‘turtle alley’ as Paul managed to claim 10 turtles.  The second wave conducted various training exercises, notably deployment of a DSMB by Stef and Alternative Air Source Ascents for Liz, JC and Martin. 

 That evening JC, Paul, Stef and Martin went ashore on the island of Vashafaru.

Catalina Engine Manifold?
 

Sunrise over Kelaa