Six Days After

The virtual door bell has been ringing, but for something quite different to what I was expecting. Six days ago, three blasts shook the heart of Dahab. More terrorist bombs, this time aimed at the peaceful 'backpacker's' town where westerners and Egyptians co-exist in a harmony devoid of politics or religious hatred. Someone saw fit to shatter that idyll.

Twenty-three dead, mainly Egyptians. Many more casualties, some from Europe. And two freedivers among those injured. Lotta Ericson has written a first-hand account of what happened to her and her husband Peter, while they were out with Brigitte Hauenstein and Sam Still. Brigitte sustained quite severe injuries and will take some time to recover. Sam less so, but still bad enough to need his return to the UK for further hospital treatment.

Taking time out to answer press queries for this was the least I could do to help, but while this drama was unfolding, I took less kindly to questions about the forthcoming David Blaine stunt.
I was quoted ( a little too ) literally, while trying to explain to a non-diver why the illusionist was probably living up to his job title. The freediving community is divided between those who think his breathholding stunt dangerous and disrespectful, and those who think it is good publicity. Me? Well I believe I managed to boost hits to the BFA website by several hundred percent, and at the same time pour a bit more cold water into Blaine's perspex tank.

Last but not least, Mustang Sally turned up on my doorstep last Thursday. I've now taken her for a dunking, put her laces in, and repaired a little split I may have made. Let's see if pure carbon can help me achieve a new freediving ambition with CWNR - Constant Weight, No Resting.