British freediver attempts record-breaking dive in Egypt

Dolphin Girl, Sara Butler will become the first woman ever to freedive one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and challenging plunges – The Arch in Dahab, Egypt.

It is a huge archway, or tunnel, connecting the Blue Hole – a massive abyss – with the open ocean. To complete the dive Sara, 35, must first swim down 55 metres to the tunnel entrance.

After 10 metres the human body is no longer buoyant so she will use a “divebomb” technique to plummet further into the deep. She will then aim to take the shortest 35 metre route through the tunnel and then up to the surface threeand- a-half minutes later, swimming a total of 145m (475ft) – almost the height of Blackpool Tower.

“Imagine holding your breath for three-and-a-half minutes,” she said. “Now imagine doing it while physically working your body at its limits, at depth.

Remaining calm is the only thing that will ensure I survive.”

From the Sunday Mirror: Read more

Freediving with Beluga whales

This is the moment a ‘free-diver’ hitches a lift with a Beluga whale in freezing waters under Russia’s White Sea.

The diver – Julia Petrik, 36 – plunges into -2ºC (28ºF) water after cutting through ice up to 1ft thick on the country’s north-west coast.

Julia, one of the world’s best free divers, swims underwater with no air tanks and can hold her breath for up to two minutes.

After diving into the freezing sea she grabs hold of a passing Beluga whale and is captured gliding through the water by British photographer Dan Burton.

Beluga Whales only live in Arctic and sub-Arctic waters and are protected from the sub-zero temperatures by a thick layer of blubber.

The elusive whales are an unmistakable all white in colour with a distinctive melon-shaped head and can grow up to 5m (16ft)in length.

From The Telegraph Read more