DiveTech - Cayman Islands?

[Stephan Whelan]

There are some rumours circulating that DiveTech, the dive centre in the Cayman Islands that has hosted many world class freedivers and seen several world records, was destroyed in the wake of Hurricane Michelle.

Anyone got any information? Let's hope no one was hurt...

[Kirk Krack]

Stephan,

I've recieved some emails from my Canadian Team members down there and it seems that Divetech near the Turtle Farm was gutted and the building is in risk of collapsing.

The storm also demolished the Turle Farm for which there is several thoudand turtles loose and several other dive shops, bars and homes along seven mile beach and the north west point were destroyed or severly damaged.

I don't think Divetechs other operation Cobalt Coast was effected and they'll still be able to offer the same great services, just not at the turtle farm location for a while.

I know everyone at Divetech is ok except for some minor scratches. Thoughts go out to Dan, Tara, Cali, Ken from Team Canada and to all the other staff at Divetech.

Sincerely,

[Stephan Whelan]

Kirk,

Great news to hear that no-one was hurt, although it is always sad to hear about the damage caused by natural "disasters".

I know i'll speak on behalf of all the Deeper Blue crew in sending our best wishes and thoughts out to everyone out there.

[Mark Tomkins]

It's not pretty! Most of the turtles were moved to an inland brackish pond. The main frame of the building (Divetech and Cracked Conch restaurant) is still up but I am not sure how badly damaged it is inside. I have a couple of pictures of other areas of the island - http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...a=13976190&f=0 .If that dosn't work go to photopoint.com and put in the email address MoonshineBWI@Hotmail.com and check out the album STORM!

Go long and go deep!

[Tom Lightfoot]

Wow, what a mess! Thanks for posting those pictures. It's the first I've seen of the place despite searching the web for news specific to Cayman.

I hope that the dive shops & restaurants can recover quickly from this mess.

I've heard that one good storm can do more damage to the reef than years of clumsy diving. Has anyone had a chance to peek underwater?

Tom Lightfoot
Team Canada

[Mark Tomkins]

Hey Tom (and all the rest of you guys/gals)
Check this site out for info and pics...
Lots.....
http://stormcarib.com/reports/2001/cayman.shtml

Mark T.