Royal Navy Section Egypt Dive Expedition
On 17 August, 21 cadets and four staff set off on a diving expedition to Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. Having flown from Gatwick, the cadets arrived at the Ocean Club Hotel and quickly settled into their poolside rooms. The cadets spent the following two days aboard the diving boat, Seagull, visiting the Middle Garden, Ras Katy and Ras Um Sid dive sites. Some of the groups were lucky enough to see a manta ray, however, all groups were able to observe the beautiful coral reefs and rich marine life that make the Red Sea their home. Highlights of the first two days included spotting an octopus, moray eel and shoal of barracuda along with many parrot, clown and surgeon fish.
The third day saw the cadets take a break from diving with the morning spent in the old town of Sharm el Sheikh. The cadets enjoyed haggling with shop owners and looking for that all important souvenir. In the afternoon, the cadets had the chance for some well-deserved rest and relaxation by the hotel pool. On the Thursday and Friday they were back on the dive boat. Diving skills were improving all the time and each dive was becoming more challenging, but at the same time more rewarding. The cadets also visited the Temple, Ras Bob and Ras Nasrani dive sites; seeing a wealth of beautiful reefs and marine fauna.
The climax of the week was Saturday’s dives off Jackson Reef in the Strait of Tiran, which is often placed as one of the top ten dive sites in the world. In the morning the cadets went into the blue in search of the ever-illusive hammerhead shark, and were amazed to see a school of 21 - a rare sight indeed! The afternoon was spent diving and snorkelling around the reef with sightings of manta rays and turtles, and some of the most vibrant coral of the Red Sea. The dive expedition was a truly amazing experience and one that both staff and cadets will remember for the rest of their lives.
Posted on Thursday 11th September 2008
