1 August 2011 - Dive Schools Join Forces to Break Depth Record and Spotlight Aqaba as Haven for Technical Diving
Months of preparation paid off on Friday, July 29, when the 166.point6 Dive Team set a new record for depth in Jordanian waters by diving to 167 meters. The previous record stood at 144 meters. The dive team was led by Mark Ellyatt, the world record holder for depth, and Rod Abbotson of Dive Aqaba, with support from technical divers, including George Ionita, Thaer Juqman, Duncan Baillie, and Jake Link.
The divers descent took three and a quarter hours, and passed without incident, thanks to comprehensive training and the invaluable experience and advice of Mark Ellyatt.
Mark commented how impressed he was with the way in which the team came together, focused on the goal, and adhered to all safety regulations. "It's all about planning and preparation," he said.
According to Jake Link, one of the deep safety divers, the expedition went so smoothly, "We all gave each other high fives under the water!"
The 166point6 Dive Team comprises of key representatives of Jordan's diving industry, international dive industry specialists, and former Australian, British and American servicemen working in Jordan. They hope to encourage the sport of scuba diving, especially technical diving, in Jordan and the region. They also hope to draw international attention to Aqaba, as a prime venue for first-class recreational diving and to boost regional and international awareness of the importance of the protection of the coastline and coral reef environment.
William Sawalha, of Sea Star Watersports, one of the main sponsors of the record breaking event, expressed his delight at the project's success. "It's a wonderful opportunity to highlight the beauty of Aqaba's underwater riches, and the amazing topography which lends itself to technical diving."
Rod Abottson, of Dive Aqaba, a partner in the venture added that he hoped that Aqaba's dive centres would see an increase in the number of technical divers as a result of the team's hard work."
To support the preservation of Aqaba's fragile marine environment, the 166point6 Dive Team auctioned off a Breitling dive watch, generously donated by Jaffar Jewelry, the proceeds of which will go to support the work of the Royal Marine Conservation Society (JREDS) in Aqaba as well as Project AWARE. The auction took place following the dive at a reception hosted by the Kempinski, Aqaba in the hotel's Black Pearl Lounge to congratulate the divers and to thank the numerous Jordanian and international sponsors of the dive.
Marc Guenther, General Manager of the Kempinski, Aqaba said that he was delighted to support the 166.6 Dive Team because they were highlighting "the beauty of Aqaba's marine life and the potential to increase the technical diving industry which is positive news for all local businesses."
Numerous Jordanian and international businesses, community institutions and individuals have made the dive possible through generous sponsorship, including: the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the Aqaba Development Corporation, Kempinski Aqaba, Sea Star Water Sports, Dive Aqaba, Aramex, ViaGlobal, Royal Jordanian and PLAY 99.6 FM.
On the eve of the dive, Aqaba Development Corporation CEO Mohammad Turk wished the divers good luck.
"These divers have found a unique way to show case our beautiful city to the world, and the ADC is very pleased to support this unusual and fun event," said Turk. "On behalf of everyone at the ADC, I wish the divers the best of luck and look forward to congratulating them on a new record and for what will certainly be a personal accomplishment for each of them."
PLAY 99.6 FM broadcast live for 4 hours from the Sea Star boat, and Arab satellite broadcasters MBC and Al Arabiya also had crews in Aqaba over the weekend covering the dive. The 166point6 Dive team is also pleased to announce that TV Scuba, which has been in Aqaba for the last two weeks filming preparations for this dive, will broadcast a documentary about the dive, scheduled to air mid-August. The documentary will also be available on TV Scuba online: www.tvscuba.com.
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About Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea
The award winning Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea lies gracefully on the shores of the world's oldest natural spa - the Dead Sea. Set amidst gardens dotted with lagoons, waterfalls and private pools. A true haven of wellness and ancient olive trees mingle with palms trees in a most fantastic and stylish fashion.
Designed in affectionate tribute to the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar boasts 345 rooms and suites within a stylish Arabesque monument building that weaves clean and simple lines into an Arabian theme. For a more luxurious and exclusive stay, the hotel offers Ishtar Villas designed with a tasteful contemporary decor. The hotel also features one of the largest spas in the Middle East at 10'000 sqm.
About Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
Redefining the standards of luxury in the region, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba, is a lifestyle destination situated in Jordanian scenery of mountainous backdrop and white sandy beaches fringed with one of the best diving and coral reefs of the world.
The hotel's stylish architecture makes a bold statement set on the shores of Aqaba, through the contemporary design and ambience of 200 rooms and suites, all with views of the golden shores and azure waters of the Red Sea, all due to the building's curved contemporary design, shaped in the form of a tear-drop. On behalf of the year round sunshine, the hotel boasts cabanas on the private beach, lavish multi-layered swimming pool and a plethora of outdoor and water-based activities.
About Kempinski:
Created in 1897, Kempinski Hotels is Europe's oldest luxury hotel group. Kempinski's rich heritage of impeccable personal service and superb hospitality is complemented by the exclusivity and individuality of its properties. Kempinski now comprises a portfolio of 64 five-star hotels in 28 countries and continues to add new properties in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Each one reflects the strength and success of the Kempinski brand without losing sight of its heritage.
The portfolio comprises historic landmark properties, award-winning urban lifestyle hotels, outstanding resorts, and prestigious residences. Each one imbues the quality guests have come to expect from Kempinski while embracing the cultural traditions of its location.
Kempinski is a founding member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA): the world's largest alliance of independent hotels.
For more information please contact Kempinski Hotels
Janet Abrahams
Area Director Sales & Marketing Levant Region
Janet.Abrahams@kempinski.com
Mobile: 00962 798 227730
www.kempinski.com
Jareer Masserweh
Cluster Director Mkg & Communications
Jareer.Masserweh@kempinski.com
Mobile: 00962 799042429
www.kempinski.com
© Press Release 2011
