Incredible Cocos

...as far as I know the only compensation he got was to be alive to tell the story. I checked the crew images on their webpage and I remember Edward, but when I was there he had just joined the operation. He was actually the one taking us on the useless flag pole dives. Fabio [also new to the thing] was the one that was more inclined to Photographer's needs and had very good potential as a dive guide. Jose was more often than not our panga driver and I was far from impressed with him despite the fact that he has been around for a long time and his very experienced, at least so they say [not sure if the prop incident was with him, don't think so] and the guy called Christiano maybe the guy with the Italian background I mentioned [if it is indeed him I remember a bit differently, with more hair i.e., he usually took a pretty much used Gates housing with no lights and spend a considerable amount of time in the bridge at the helm]...well...he knew the place much better that much was obvious, but was he the right person to be in charge of the dive operations? Nope, I have seen much, much better...maybe it was just a bad trip; maybe I'm too used to higher standards...

interesting it's the first time i hear cocos diving as being described like "egypt cattle diving", especially given the number of boats out there.

the following is only based on my personal experience and then augmented with that of friends who have been out there since i did including malpelo

i went out there in 2003 and have nothing but good things to be said about the whole operation from reservations all the way to the trip, the diving, the guiding and especially the panga drivers. they were always there when we popped wherever that be, as usually groups get completely separated during the dives. i think the only time i had to wait for a minute or two was at dos amigos when the panga was already on the other side of the rock picking up other divers.

i found the guides to be very safety oriented and they would be taking special care of less experienced divers (maybe shepherding them) but then again you are 300 miles away from shore, in waters that can be tricky in terms of animals and currents. in fact one of the guides went to pick up a lost diver who was being dragged down by current because he did not listen to the dive briefing and got caught in the down draught that was exactly where the guides said it would be.

and for the images of malpelo, well, let's just say i was drooling.

it just goes to show that even the best of them can have a bad day . (and being hit by a propeller is really a bad day... ) and that we all have to be even more careful when we go to such remote places (i assume you guys had a good conversation with the owners of the operation concerning what happened)

Having gone to Mapelo 4 times, I can say that it's a lot more hit or miss than Cocos. When it hits, it's better than Cocos, but when it misses, you wonder why you bothered with the overnight cruise.

As for the Hunter crew, I have to say that they were always good to me. And I love that sub!

However, getting hit by a propeller... even touched is unforgivable and MUST never happen. That said... if a diver doesn't get down fast enough and if the surface conditions are rough, kinda hard for any panga driver to see.

Very nice report, and great whaleshark shots. I know what it's like trying to keep up with them. Quite an achievement with a large camera rig. Thanks.

I am scheduled for this trip August 26 - Sep 5 and I absolutely can't wait. I have added a second strobe (finally) and just did a checkout trip to the Bahamas to make sure all was working.

By the way...

If you go look at Cocos Island in Google Earth (5.52N, 87.07W), then follow around to the NE corner, just offshore you will see two dive boats! I am pretty sure the one to the East is the Undersea Hunter as two pangas are visible.

Cheers

Of all the places I've dove, the Cocos are my absolute favorite. I never tire of the place. I will be going back there in Aug 08 for my 10th time. You never know what you will see there. Since I only go from June through late August, I insist on going during the best months. The place is a true wonder. If anyone wants to join me next year, let me know. I've already got several friends going, some for their third or fourth time as well.

Steve B)