GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE - COMPLIMENTARY
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COMPLIMENTARY
www.midwestscubadiving.com
Fall 2007
GREAT WHITE
SHARK ADVENTURE
VOL . 2 NO. 3
8 GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE
By Nan E. Temple Talaga
12 REVERSE DIVE PROFILES
By Dan Orr, DAN President and
12
Chief Executive Officer
16 SUNKEN TREASURES
Dredge No. 6
By Captain Dale Bennett
20 MARTIN STEPANEK AND
NIKI RODERICK
Champion Freedivers Speak
Out About Ocean Conservation
By Suzannah Evans
22 DESTINATION
Puerto Rico
Story by Michele Jarvey
Photos by Carlos-Miguel Cruz
22
30 SAFETY STOP
Dick Hecht
A Midwest Diver You Should Know
Visit us online at:
8
www.midwestscubadiving.com
...the Caribbean
of the Midwest!
- 12-acre spring fed quarry
- Fish and underwater attractions
- 8 training platforms EDITORIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
TM - Easy access via beach entry Captain Darrick Lorenzen, Publisher & Editor Patrick Hammer
or covered docks (20’ x 40’) captdarrick@midwestscubadiving.com Recreational Training and Education
- Picnic tables and dressing rooms Brian Pautsch, Magazine Designer & Webmaster Captain Dale Bennett
- Rental gear and tank refills bpautsch@midwestscubadiving.com Technical Training and Education
Thomas McDonald, Editorial Assistant Richard Talaga Ph.D.
Elizabeth Wilczynski, Comptroller Diving Physics
Argonne National Laboratory
ADVERTISING SALES Captain Tim Taylor
773-732-8972 Scientific Research and Exploration
NEWS BRIEFS & FEATURES Jessica Adams M.S.
773-732-8972 Exercise Physiology and Diving Fitness
SUBSCRIPTIONS AND CLASSIFIEDS Captain Darrick Lorenzen
815-344-7956 Travel Editor
Midwest Scuba Diving is published quarterly by Maximum Publications 4417 N. Riverdale, Johnsburg, IL, 60050. Copyright 2006 by Maximum Publications. All rights reserved. Subscription
rate U.S. possessions one year $29.95. All other countries one year $39.95. CONTRIBUTIONS. News, articles, information, and photos are enthusiastically encouraged and should be sent
to Captain Darrick Lorenzen 4417 N. Riverdale, Johnsburg, IL, 60050. All submissions become the property of Midwest Scuba Diving. Any material accepted is subject to such revision as is
necessary, in our sole discretion, to meet the requirements of this publication. The act of mailing materials shall constitute an express warranty by the contributor that the material is original
and in no way an infringement on the rights of others. Six weeks notice is required to change a subscriber’s address.
NOTICE: Scuba diving is a potentially dangerous activity. Persons engaging in this activity should be certified by a recognized training agency. You should always dive within your training
and personal limits. Information published in Midwest Scuba Diving is not a substitute for training and Midwest Scuba Diving is not responsible or liable for the contents of any information
or recommendations published herein.
Events Festival. Contact: Steve Daniel
Location: Rosemont, Illinois Email: sdaniel@glsps.org
December Website: www.glsps.org
Email: contest@divephotoguide.com
6th
Underwater Christmas Tree Trim Do you have an upcoming event you
Location: Scuba Emporium
February would like to include in Midwest Scuba
Contact: Harold Bach 15-17th Diving Magazine? Send an email to
Phone: 1-800-778-DIVE Our World Underwater events@midwestscubadiving.com
Email: info@scubaemporium.com One of the largest dive shows in North or call us at 773.732.8972.
Website: www.scubaemporium.com America. This year’s show is expected
to have 200 booths and over 15,000
January visitors. Don’t miss it!
Location: Donald E. Stephens
13th Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
www.HaighQuarry.com 3rd Annual International Underwater Phone: 708.226.1614
Photo/Video Contest Deadline Email: info@ourworldunderwater.com
2738 E. 2000 North Rd More than $50,000 in prizes will Website: www.ourworldunderwater.com
Kankakee, IL 60901 be awarded to photographers and
videographers around the world. 23rd
815.939.7797 Deadline for submissions is Jan. 13, Into the Past 2008 - the Twin Cites
tina@haighquarry.com 2008. Winners will be announced at Shipwreck Scuba Show
the 2008 Our World Underwater Film Location: Mounds View, MN
FALL 2007 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING 
COMMENTARY
Our World Underwater is being held at the Donald E.
Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, February
15th thru the 17th. Booths for exhibitors are still available.
Detailed information about the show can be found at www.
ourworldunderwater.com. Midwest Scuba Diving Magazine
will once again attend OW-U, occupying corner booth #121.
We will have “FREE” raffles for a Blackbeard’s Cruise,
Freestyle watches, subscriptions to Midwest Scuba Diving
Magazine and certificates for wreck diving adventures aboard
Captain Dale’s boat the M/V Enterprise. Many readers have
contacted us requesting old copies of the magazine. If you are
missing a back issue of our publication come by our booth
and we will have it for you. We enjoy it when you stop by,
say hello and give us your comments and suggestions. OW-U
gives us a chance to catch up with old “buddies” and make
some new friends. See you at the show!
Midwest Scuba Diving Magazine and our interactive website
community has become the primary source for information
concerning Great Lakes Shipwrecks. We are the only diving
publication that has created and maintains an interactive
forum for divers. We welcome your participation in the
MSD forums at www.midwestscubadiving.com. Website Captain Darrick with Hal Watts and Stan Waterman at OW-U 2007
traffic has substantially increased over the past year. Some popular and controversial threads in 2007 have included “Bonne Terre Mines” and “The Sorry
State of Recreational Dive Training.” We have just completed a two-year research study, which indicates that every three months 4% of all dive centers
close their doors to the general public. That is a 16% failure rate per year. For every 4 shops that close only 1 new shop opens. This means that there is net
negative growth of 12% per year. In the last 5 years more than 50% of all dive shops in the Midwest region are no longer in business. This may make the
existing shops stronger, but diversity, which benefits the recreational diver, no longer exists. Once again MSD needs to point out that the business model
accepted by the dive industry is not working. Employees and representatives of the diving industry are only trying to justify their existence and their salaries
by following the pack and perpetuating archaic business practices. Don’t let any aggressive industry representatives dictate your business plan. Research
proves the representative is most likely wrong. You must think outside the box to survive. You must be creative. Dive shops and resorts can only increase BBAC Midwest Scuba 1-3 Pg Ad 5/22/07 1:19 PM Page 1
their sales by cost effective marketing. If they don’t advertise they will close! Over the last two years Midwest Scuba Diving Magazine has reinvested 100%
of its ad revenue into our cutting edge publication and website striving to provide low cost options for advertisers. We wish to passionately promote the
sport that we love. Many of our advertisers have indicated that a great deal of business is generated from banner ad links on our site. Website banner ad links
offer a very affordable advertising venue for operators on a limited budget who want maximum exposure. Banner ads cost only $720 for a full year! A dive Freeport, PADI Certification
center only has to generate two students from this ad type, over 12 months, to receive a 100% return on their investment. You are unable to get this type of
annual return on any other investment vehicle. Some cooperative programs that we have implemented make advertising “FREE” for qualified operators. Grand Bahama Nitrox Certification
Every shop or resort should call to discuss these options. For advertising information contact Captain Darrick Lorenzen at 773-732-8972 or captdarrick@ Departures Rescue Diver Certifiction
midwestscubadiving.com.
Night Diving
Our Magazine has grown in size by 30% in the past year. We have increased the number of features in our publication to include five articles and Wreck Diving
“Backscatter” which is a photographic forum using reader submissions. We are the only diving publication printing on 100# glossy stock. Diving is one of the
few mediums left that lends itself well to print publication. Diving is about beautiful images. Beautiful images should be printed on quality paper stock not
Cavern and Cave Instruction
newsprint. MSD now distributes in 12 states reaching approximately 50% of the U.S. population. We maintain marketing agreements and sponsorships with Search & Recovery
NAUI, DAN, Channel 11 WTTW Public Television and X-ray Online Magazine. Over the next 24 months, MSD is going to focus on developing a national Dry Suit & MORE
following among the diving community. MSD intends to expand our influence to include the major market areas of New York, Florida and California. We
have recently employed a sales staff in Los Angeles, California. MSD is going to have a more controversial presence in print and on our website. We are
immediately implementing two additional features called “Shark Attack” and “ Diving Fatality.” There is a lot of interest in sharks (just look at the success of Most of our training is done
Shark Week on the Discovery Channel). MSD will publish news reports on “Diving Fatalities” with the intention of informing and educating the recreational
dive community about the safety issues causing the fatal accidents. Let us know what you think. at the Mermet Springs
underwater training facility
Dive safely,
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Career Highlights: Captain Darrick Lorenzen has over 30 years experience as a recreational and commercial diver. He is a leave from Freeport, Grand Bahama, sailing Exumas. Diving, snorkeling, sea-kayaking,
graduate of Florida Institute of Technology with a degree in Underwater Technology. He was an instructor to commercial oilfield the crystal waters of the Bahamas on fishing, birding, beaching...
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was awarded the U.S. Public Service Commendation for personal courage and selfless initiative.
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MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING FALL 2007 FALL 2007 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING 
GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE
baby elephant seals, and were placed in the The captain carefully maneuvered the who happened to see it. The fifth person in
Great White Shark water suspended by lines. They bobbed on the
surface of the water, designed to attract their
Tamalpais closer to the attack area and set
the anchor. Richard and I, along with two
the cage, who so desperately wanted to see a
shark, missed it and was deeply disappointed.
Adventure
most formidable predators, the great white members of a news crew from Fresno and Had I not seen the shark that day, I don’t think
sharks. Chumming (or baiting) the water with another diver from New York, went into the I would have minded. I got to see a wild place
real bait is not allowed in the Farallones in an shark cage for the first time. I was wearing a where humans don’t really belong and felt the
By Nan E. Temple Talaga effort to keep the natural ecosystem intact. 7mm wetsuit with an attached hood and heavy power of the natural forces that exist there.
gloves and boots. The water felt coldest on my But there was something in that moment when
While there is a good likelihood of seeing head and feet, and I found myself breathing I saw the white shark and he saw me, too that
white sharks at this time of year, at least on hard for the first few minutes until I became will live in me forever.
the surface, it was explained to us that there accustomed to the cold and the water in my
is no guarantee that you will see one. After suit had a chance to warm up a bit. At first we We left the Farallones at about 2:30 heading
all, this is a wild, natural environment and the saw only water, which was fairly clear with back for harbor. The smell of freshly baked
sharks are free to do as they please. about 30 to 40 feet of visibility. Large round chocolate chip cookies wafted through the main
white moon jellies drifted by, clearly visible cabin followed by the third excellent meal of
People prepared to enter the shark cage were against the green blue color of the seawater. the day. The time passed quickly as Richard
quickly trained to use the hookah system The thirty pounds of weight I was wearing and I stood on the bow of the Tamalpais full
for breathing underwater through regulators had made me negatively buoyant, and I found of energy and the experience of our beautiful
attached to long hoses through which myself bouncing on my tiptoes against the day, a fitting celebration of seven wonderful
compressed air is pumped from onboard. The bottom of the cage as it moved with the waves years of married life. We talked easily with
crew assisted each diver into the cage and in the water. Richard was next to me looking other passengers who shared the day’s voyage
constantly supervised. Divers could enter over the side of the cage toward the bottom and when we looked back we saw a margin
and exit the shark cage whenever they wanted when he suddenly held his hand against his of shimmering golden light along the horizon
throughout the day. Hot chocolate and soup forehead in a signal indicating shark. By the
along with plenty of good food were provided time I looked far enough down in the direction
CD’s
to warm up chilly bodies. Fresh towels were he had pointed there was nothing. I continued
plentiful. scanning the area in front and beneath the cage
when I saw Richard pointing down again.
In the afternoon, while Richard and I were This time I saw the shark. It was there, big
donning our wetsuits preparing for our first and slightly on its side so that you could see
entry into the cage, we heard someone scream the light white underbelly and the dark back 7
“Shark! Shark! Shark!” When I looked out meeting along the side of its massive body as
a port side window there was a flurry of bird it gently moved from left to right just about 15
activity about a hundred yards or more away to 20 feet below us. Its mouth was closed and
When Richard and I got married in October passengers in the spacious and comfortable to watch humpback whales spouting and from the boat, and I spotted two black fins it looked completely at ease and in control.
of 2000 we never dreamed that we’d be main cabin where we were encouraged to help surfacing nearby, and we saw seals leaping breaking through the surface in the midst And then it was gone. We waited for a while
celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary in the ourselves to a delicious array of coffee cakes, happily along on their own journeys. of a swath of water that was bright red with but it never came back. I guess it had seen
cold waters of the Pacific peering through the muffins, bagels, fruit and beverages. blood. Eyewitnesses told us that a great white enough of us. Pool & Scuba
bars of a shark cage at the silent and hauntingly When we arrived at the Farallones, we had just breached the surface with a seal in its
beautiful form of a great white shark. After a brief orientation to the boat and circumnavigated the jagged, ruggedly beautiful jaws, followed by an explosive balloon of red Our shark sighting was the only one from the
safety procedures, we were free to roam the islands textured by cormorants, murres, gulls blood bursting into the air. cage that day. There were only four of us We offer basic training through
It all came about when we joined an Incredible Tamalpais on our own and enjoyed exploring and other birds along with the velvety brown advanced certifications and are
Adventures’ trip to the Farallon Island Marine the two decks where there was plenty of inside log-like forms of hundreds of sea lions lying the best full service dive shop in
Sanctuary aboard the sixty-five foot vessel and outside viewing and lounging space. in repose along the sea cliff walls. The fishy Northern Indiana. We have great
Tamalpais based in Tiburon, a picturesque smell of guano was nothing, we were told, prices on all gear.
bay side town just a few miles north of San By 6:00 a.m. we were underway, motoring compared to the overpowering odor of the
Francisco. In the fall months, from September through the dark morning fog toward the spring bird breeding season when practically Call today for our
through mid-November, great white sharks Golden Gate and the open ocean. As we every square inch of the islands are covered specials!
congregate in the waters off the Farallones passed under the bridge we all looked up and with nesting birds and the researchers must
attracted by the seals, sea lions and their were awed by the beauty of the soft diffused wear rain ponchos and hard hats to protect
favorite food source, baby elephant seals that lights flickering against the massive vertical themselves.
are there in abundance at this time of year. support structures which rose from the black
water and disappeared into a misty shroud. We anchored on the south, leeward side of the
We arrived at the dock at 5:30 a.m. where Greg island near Saddle Rock. The shark cage, which
Barron of Incredible Adventures, Inc. and dive The trip out to the islands took about two and a can accommodate eight divers and is said to be
instructor Francesca Koe greeted us warmly. half hours. Peter Winch, the highly informed the world’s largest, was quickly lowered into
The friendly and efficient crew quickly sized naturalist on board, generously answered the water and secured along the port side. The
Phone: 574-295-7300
us up for wetsuits and made sure that all the questions and shared interesting information top of the cage was at the surface while the
23672 Old US 20
gear we’d need for a dip in the cold Pacific about the natural history of the place we were bottom reached down to a depth of about eight Elkhart, IN 46516
was brought aboard. We joined the other about to visit. Along the way we slowed down feet. Decoys made from carpeting, resembled
MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING FALL 2007 FALL 2007 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING 
GREAT WHITE SHARK ADVENTURE
where the clouds had lifted just above the STEVE BROWN
Our World-Underwater 2008
silhouetted profile of the Farallones. As we Midwest sales representative for the
approached the Golden Gate there were just below product lines and supporter of
four of us standing on the bow watching the the development and introduction of
fog work its magic on the cityscape. Four Midwest Scuba Diving Magazine. The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, IL
product lines he represents can be
little people momentarily bonded by a shared
found in Professional Dive Centers February 15-17, 2008
experience with a solitary great white shark.
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Snapshot: Lake Michigan or Teach You How!
Nan E. Temple Talaga
Charters and Training Info:
P: 847.640.8113 C: 847.431.8113
After graduating from the University
www.captaindales.com
of Washington with a degree
in anthropology, Nan studied
photography and briefly worked as Novice to
a freelance writer and photographer Technical to
in Washington State. She later Tri-Mix
became certified in elementary
education and worked as a teacher
for almost 20 years in the U.S. and Weekend at a Glance
abroad. Seven years ago, Nan
Friday – February 15, 2008
moved to the Chicago area where
In-Depth Workshops 8:00am –5:00pm
she and her husband, Richard,
Exhibition Hall 5:00pm – 9:00pm
signed up for scuba diving lessons
Film Festival 8:30pm – 10:00pm
which has led them to one adventure
after another. Saturday – February 16, 2008
In-Depth Workshops 8:00am – 5:00pm
Exhibition Hall 9:00am – 6:00pm
Seminars 9:00am – 5:00pm
Film Festival 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday – February 17, 2008
In-Depth Workshops 8:00am – 4:00pm
Exhibition Hall 9:00am – 4:00pm
Seminars 9:00am – 4:00pm
Over 200 booths!
Meet John Chatterton and Richie
Kohler from Deep Sea Detectives
and Shadow Divers!
Contest prizes given away at
booths every day!
Learn more at www.ourworldunderwater.com
Book Signings Try Scuba in the Pool Visit Team Scuba Nascar Bid on Silent Auction items
DIVING MEDICINE
Reverse On a recent dive trip, I overheard two divers talking about
planning their second dive for the day. The first dive was a
spectacular drift dive over a gently sloping wall in the warm,
clear waters of the Caribbean. The divers had chosen to remain
buoyancy compensation device. They are based on mathematical
models, founded in theory, and designed to emulate body tissues,
but those tools cannot take into account the wide range of body
and tissue types, nor factors such as cold, fatigue and exertion,
Dive Profiles
shallower than the rest of the group in order to photograph a pair that may change the diver’s susceptibility during a dive. Diving
of turtles doing their best to keep the local turtle population from researchers do not completely understand the exact mechanisms
becoming endangered. of injury in regards to DCS. Even when divers use tables or
computers correctly, there is always a risk of DCS.
While moving to the next location, the divemaster announced that
By Dan Orr, DAN the second dive would take place at a similar location. Since their Divers can take the following steps to reduce the risk of DCS:
attention was focused elsewhere on the first dive, they wanted
President and to see and enjoy the wall on the upcoming dive. This, however, • Dive conservatively. Don’t push the limits. Many experts
Chief Executive Officer created a dilemma. They had been taught, as most divers have, believe that the closer one comes to the U.S. Navy no-
that the deepest dive always had to be made first. As one of the decompression limits, the greater the risk of DCS.
divers put it, “It is a well-known fact that you are likely to get • Avoid minimum surface intervals. Surface intervals allow
bent if you don’t make the deepest dive first.” offgassing of residual nitrogen. Increasing your surface
interval will reduce your nitrogen load and offer greater
This well-known fact seems logical. A shallower second dive benefit to the slower tissue compartments.
would appear to be a form of decompression following a • Make slow ascents and make safety stops. Research has
relatively deep dive. This traditional wisdom was challenged in shown that slow ascents and safety stops help to reduce
October 1999, when a workshop* funded by AAUS (American the size and quantity of gas bubbles in circulation. Many
Academy of Underwater Sciences), DAN, DEMA (Diving researchers believe there is a relationship between gas bubbles
Equipment and Marketing Association), Dive Training magazine in circulation and the likelihood of DCS symptoms.
and the Smithsonian was held at the Smithsonian Institution to • Manage additional risks. If the risks change during the dive,
specifically address the issue of reverse dive profiles. Those it may be wise for the diver to reduce bottom time or increase
present at the workshop represented the recreational, military, the safety stop or both.
and research communities. The findings were as follows: • Avoid cold and dehydration. By being properly hydrated
The ‘Well-Known Facts’ • Historically, neither the U.S. Navy nor the commercial sector
and using appropriate exposure protection, you can help
decrease DCS risks. Dehydration and cold may actually
has prohibited reverse dive profiles. increase risk of DCS by affecting the body’s blood flow,
DAN Discusses Repetitive • Reverse dive profiles are being performed in recreational, which influences nitrogen exchange through respiration.
Diving and the Twist On scientific, commercial and military diving.
• The prohibition of reverse dive profiles by recreational
• Maintain a high level of personal fitness. Exercise tolerance
is essential to safe diving. Exhaustion may significantly
Reverse Dive Profiles training organizations cannot be traced to any definite increase risk.
diving experience that indicates an increased risk of DCS
(decompression sickness). When it comes to your well-being and the safety of your diving
• No convincing evidence was presented that reverse dive partner, don’t take anything for granted. Well-known facts, once
profiles within the no-decompression limits lead to a thought to be absolute, are regularly being challenged.
measurable increase in the risk of DCS.
Some of these “well-known facts” have been with us for quite
After reviewing and discussing all the evidence presented, these some time, but I wouldn’t stake my life on them.
representatives of the diving industry came to the following
conclusion: * Vann RD, Denoble PJ, Pollock NW. Reverse Dives And
Project Dive Exploration. Reverse Dive Profiles Workshop;
“We find no reason for the diving communities to prohibit reverse 1999 Oct 29-30 2000; 1999: 181-187.
dive profiles for no-decompression dives less that 40 msw / 130
fsw and depth differentials less than 12 msw / 40 fsw.”
Snapshot: Dan Orr
In the final analysis, however, it is up to you and your buddy to
plan your dive in a manner that suits your objectives and gives Dan Orr has been diving for 40-plus years and has held
you the greatest level of confidence that the risk of injury will be membership and leadership positions in many notable
minimal. diving organizations such as NAUI, PADI, ACUC, YMCA,
NASE, IAND, UHMS, NACD, AUAS, the Institute of Diving
Remember, dive tables or dive computers have no supernatural and the Explorers Club. He is the recipient of numerous
ability to protect you from injury due to DCS. I’ve heard Karl awards such as AUAS’s NOGI Award for Sports/
Huggins, co-inventor of the EDGE, the first electronic dive Education, NAUI’s Leonard Greenstone Award for Diving
computer, say many times that there is no talisman, electronic or Safety, the Our World-Underwater Award and Beneath
otherwise, that creates a magical shield that protects divers from the Sea’s Diver of the Year. He was named Chairman of
DCS. the Board of the Historical Diving Society for 2004 and
currently serves on the DEMA board of directors.
Dive tables and computers are tools, not unlike your regulator or
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FALL 2007 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING 15
Rediscovering incredible story of the sinking of No. 6 Dredge
Dredge No. 6
would be told.
One October day in 2001, Bud Selvick
with his daughter, Lorraine, made a trip to
By Captain Dale Bennett Milwaukee to revisit the memory of the night
Dredge No. 6 sank. They met Jerry Guyer
and Dave Manchester and reclaimed the
watch Bud’s father lost forty-five years earlier
when a proud vessel and nine men went to the
bottom of the lake. Captain Ed Selvick has
since passed away, but his watch will help
keep his memory alive for future generations
of the Selvick family. Bud and his father had
lived through that night and Bud’s memory of
the incident was as clear as if it had happened
yesterday.
On Thursday, May 22nd, 1956 No. 6 Dredge,
owned by Fitzsimmons & Connell Dredge &
Dock Co. of Chicago, was operating off of Oak
Creek, Wisconsin. A new Wisconsin Electric
coal-fired power plant had recently come equipment kept moving and the rest of the exotic species of filter feeders, such as zebra
on-line, and they had been hired to dredge barge followed. As the vessel rolled over mussels. The sheer size of the shovel and
out the harbor so that coal deliveries could and sank, the crew leapt into the frigid spring crane is awe-inspiring. The shovel itself looks
be made by water. It was the usual practice water. It all happened in just a few seconds. as if it is big enough to pick up a Volkswagen.
for the crew to live on the vessel, around the The tug’s crew quickly threw off the tow lines The deck areas around the perimeter of the
clock, until the job was completed. There was and turned their boat around to try to save the barge are easily explored by experienced
space aboard for more than twenty-five men men in the water. They were able to pick up divers. For divers with advanced training in
and a cook, but on this day, there were only ten survivors and three bodies. Four more penetration, the equipment and boiler rooms
19 people on board. The barge was under the bodies were found the next day; two were are very interesting, though a little disorienting.
command of Captain Ed Selvick. His son, never recovered. Because everything is upside-down, ladders
Ed junior, also known as Bud, and seventeen that once descended into the lower levels of
others completed the crew. Almost from the day she sank, Dredge No. the engine room and boiler room areas now
6 has been a popular destination for Lake extend upward into these spaces. Smaller
On a Wednesday morning in June of 2000 the the bottom on its retracted spuds almost like a The watch was proof that the shipwreck The weather, Thursday, was becoming Michigan divers, and even more so in recent tool rooms and coal bunkers, complete with
dive charter boat, Len-Der, made its way south- table on legs. The steam shovel with its arm, everyone had been calling “Dredge 906” was progressively worse. The harbor at Oak Creek years, since the visibility of the lake has coal, can be found along the sides. These
southwest from Milwaukee harbor toward a boom, wheels, cable and winches is splayed actually named “Dredge No. 6.” So how is is unprotected by breakwaters so the barge increased dramatically with the introduction of areas can also be explored, but can be rather
popular dive site. Captain Jerry Guyer, the out over the bottom. it that “Dredge No. 6” came to be known as was taking the full force of the storm. Late
owner, was at the helm as the boat made the “Dredge 906”? Every shipwreck list and article in the day, it became obvious that she was
hour-long trip to the wreck then known as On this day, Dave and Roy tied the new we have found has published the wrong name. in trouble, and the decision was made to tow
“Dredge 906.” Among the divers on board mooring line to one of the retracted spuds and The story we have heard is that when the Coast the barge to the safety of Milwaukee Harbor.
were Dave Manchester and Roy Garland. then swam down over the edge of the upturned Guard received the initial radio call about the The Tug, E. James Fusik, began towing the
Dave and Roy were planning to assist Jerry by barge to investigate the crane arm and shovel sinking, they thought they heard, “nine oh six” 110-foot barge northward. The weather was
replacing the lost mooring line on the wreck, which rests on the bottom, off of the bow, to when what was spoken over the radio was, quickly deteriorating. Soon there were fifty
but what they were about to discover would the north. In the wreckage of the dredging “number six.” “906” was substituted for “No. knot winds and the waves rose to fifteen feet.
open the door to a whole new understanding equipment Roy spied something shiny. He 6”. We now know, without a doubt, that “No. By 2:00 AM on May 23rd, they had made it to
of this shipwreck. couldn’t reach it but he pointed it out to Dave. 6” is the correct name for this wreck. The within seven miles of the breakwater entrance,
At first he could not reach it, but after a couple watch also puts a very real and personal face about halfway. Waves were washing over the
This dredge has always been popular with of tries, Dave was able to maneuver himself on the disaster witnessed by this wreck. decks and the equipment rooms were filling
divers because of its unique configuration. It down through the wreckage and reach into with water. The pumps were not keeping up
is a steel barge with a large house containing where the treasure rested in a tangled nest of The Selvick family name is a familiar one with Lake Michigan’s onslaught and the boiler
a boiler and machinery for the steam shovel. twisted metal. He retrieved the object and to those involved in Great Lakes shipping. was in danger of exploding. The barge began
It rests upside-down on its spuds in seventy- brushed it off. It turned out to be a gold watch. Jerry remembered that there were Selvicks, to list badly to one side. The crewmen, many
five feet of water. “Spuds” are massive steel Thinking that it may have been dropped by and perhaps an Ed Selvick, living in the of whom had been asleep in their bunks, were
columns that can be lowered to the lake floor another diver, he put it in his pocket. It was Sturgeon Bay area. All agreed that it would be ordered to don their lifejackets and report
to anchor the barge in position while it is not until everyone was back on the deck of appropriate to look up the owner of the watch on deck. Suddenly, a cable which secured
engaged in dredging operations. When in Len-Der that he discovered the inscription on and return it to him if possible. It would not be the shovel boom parted with a bang. Eighty
the retracted position, they normally stick up the back of the watch, “To Ed Selvick, from until October of the next year, however, that thousand pounds of dredging equipment
into the air. The wreck is suspended above Dredge No. 6.” the watch would be returned and the rest of the was violently thrown over to one side. The
16 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING FALL 2007
SUNKEN TREASURES
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www.scubaemporium.com info@scubaemporium.com info@scubaemporiumFL.comMARTIN STEPANEK AND NIKI RODERICK
Champion Freedivers Speak Out heartbreaking, literally.” “If somebody is dumb enough to go out and later, the International Association for the
About Ocean Conservation Štěpánek and Niki Roderick, his student and
free dive by himself, hyperventilates and
stuff like that, yes, it can be dangerous and I
Development of Freediving decided not to
recognize Štěpánek’s world record. A judges’
diving partner, joined up with Oceana, the would call it the same as Russian roulette,” error in recording the event led to its invali-
By Suzannah Evans world’s largest international oceans advocacy Štěpánek said. “But if you go out there with dation.
group, as they were both gearing up for world someone trained in the proper safety and Štěpánek is disappointed, but not defeated.
record attempts in Egypt. Štěpánek planned under supervision, it’s a pretty safe sport.” He still holds the world record in free immer-
to set a new constant ballast record, while Persistently choppy waters forced Štěpánek’s sion, where the diver pulls himself along a
Roderick aimed to break the women’s vari- team to move to a protected section of the rope during the dive. Next year, he will dive
able weight record by diving 403 feet while Red Sea known as the Blue Hole, an old un- for the Czech Republic at the world champi-
being pulled feet first by a weighted sled. derwater cave that had lost its ceiling some- onships, and take another stab at the constant
From the start, however, their trip to the Red where along the way. At 300 feet, the Blue ballast with fins record.
Sea was plagued. Airport authorities hassled Hole was not deep enough for Roderick’s What he’d like more than anything is to get
the teammates over their diving equipment. world record attempt, so it was scrapped; more people in the water, learning the art of
Roderick came down with the Egyptian flu, Štěpánek had to alter his goal from a constant freediving. The intimacy it provides divers
and windy weather – unusual in the normally ballast with fins record to constant ballast is one way to help preserve the oceans for
calm Red Sea, which is why it’s a favorite without fins, a shorter distance to cover. future generations – an environmentalist’s
diving spot – prevented Štěpánek from train- bent that Štěpánek has had since he studied
ing for his world record attempt. Incredibly, despite the change in plans and forestry in the Czech Republic.
While Štěpánek has trained himself from his the switch away from his favored discipline, “Get people in the water and see what’s hap-
youth to read his body, and to know its limits, Štěpánek bested the world record, 269 feet, pening – that’s what’s going to make them
free diving has – not inaccurately – earned by three feet. When he resurfaced, he was think,” he said. “The reason [conservation is]
a reputation as a dangerous sport. In 2002, exhilarated. not happening in the past with our oceans is
Audrey Mestre died during a world record at- “I felt awesome, I felt great, because the that people don’t see it. The fish is far from
tempt. An investigation concluded that many whole preparation and the challenges we them. They only see it in a supermarket. So I
factors, including an unusually windy day, ran into, they were physically but also very think this would help quite a bit, make people
led to her death. And, in early 2007, five-time psychologically demanding,” he said. “I realize, that it’s the time to do something.”
world champion Loic Leferme died when a felt crushed that I could not do what I came
cable jammed on his ascent from a world-re- there to do, and try to do this quick attempt
cord dive. in something I wasn’t really prepared for.
For amateur divers, perhaps the greatest And actually achieving that at the end and Snapshot: Suzannah Evans
danger is shallow water blackout, a loss of squeezing every little last piece of oxygen
consciousness caused by a lack of oxygen and energy out of me to complete the dive, it
Suzannah Evans is the editor for
In Europe, the town of Náchod is about as in the discipline known as static apnea, hold- I lived in a country with the ocean, I would to the brain. Štěpánek says he doesn’t worry just felt amazing.”
Oceana. She prefers to stay on land.
landlocked as you can get. Nestled in the Su- ing his breath for 8 minutes and 6 seconds. have studied oceanography,” Štěpánek about the dangers personally. But the euphoria was not to last. Six weeks
detes mountain range in the Czech Republic, Since then he’s excelled at diving hundreds said. “Forest was the thing that we had at
near the Polish border, Náchod doesn’t seem of feet with fins and carrying weight, a type the time.” He later got a degree in exercise
the likely hometown of a world champion of competition known as constant ballast. physiology in Prague. It wasn’t until he broke
diver. It was his desire to break the constant ballast the static apnea record that he pursued diving
By the time he was a small child, however, world record that took him to Dahar, Egypt as a professional career. Now located in Fort
Martin Štěpánek had taken to the water. The last summer. There, he would take on his Lauderdale, Štěpánek instructs free diving in
son of a competitive swimmer, Štěpánek saw biggest challenge – and face his greatest addition to training for competitions.
his first divers at the local pool when he was disappointment. “I enjoy scuba diving as well, don’t get me
seven years old. Impressed by their bulky wrong,” Štěpánek said. “I find a lot more
equipment, and the way they crawled along When he joined the scuba club in Náchod, freedom in freediving. To me, it’s the purest
the pool bottom, he knew he wanted to learn Štěpánek was the youngest of the boys. The way of connecting with the ocean because
to dive. others grabbed the government-issued scuba you don’t wear any extra equipment that
Now, at 30, Štěpánek has broken several equipment before he could, and so Štěpánek separates you from the environment. There-
world records in freediving, an increasingly often found himself diving sans tank in the fore the experience you’re having out of it is
popular sport around the world. Freediv- pools, lakes, and quarries the club used for much more pure and more intense.”
ing, or breath hold diving, is exactly what it practice. His favorite sport in the swim club That connection with the environment has led
sounds like: divers go underwater without had been the 50-meter sprint, completed Štěpánek to join the growing conservation
the aid of any breathing equipment, relying underwater, and so he had a preternaturally movement. In his travels around the world,
only on their lungs and wits to return them good breath-holding ability. Soon, this would he has noticed a steady decline in marine life.
to the surface. A variety of disciplines have grow into the ability to equalize the pressure Even in his local Florida reef, he no longer
developed for competition, including diving in his ears without using his hands to close sees snapper and grouper.
using a sled, diving with fins or a monofin, his nose, key to diving great depths using the “The locations that I’ve been diving ten years
and swimming for distance with and without breaststroke. ago and diving them now, they’re not the
fins. Keen with interest in nature, he studied same,” he said. “There’s so many less fish,
Štěpánek broke his first world record in 2001 forestry engineering in school. “Probably if and the coral reef looks totally different. It’s
20 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING FALL 2007Destination Puerto Rico
Story by Michele Jarvey
Photos by Carlos-Miguel Cruz
About Puerto Rico: Diving Season: 2:00 PM to avoid the frequent afternoon rain Bottlenosed Dauphins will follow boats to only to Mona Island. Complementing the Rico or an approximate 5 hour crossing on
The main island of Puerto Rico is approximately Diving in Puerto Rico can be enjoyed year showers. Other than the wall diving at La the dive sites playing in the wake. The most fantastic visibility; sea fans and soft corals are open seas. Most charter services will schedule
100 miles long and 30 miles wide. It is a US round although optimal visibility and weather Parguera, most dives have an average depth common Turtle is the Hawksbills, but Green in pristine condition. Several dive sites have trips to Mona only in the spring and summer
Territory; therefore the currency is the US predictability is March through May, and of 60 ft or less. Because of the numerous dive Turtles, Loggerheads and occasionally the guaranteed sightings of stingrays, huge lobster, months because of the unpredictable seas
dollar, and a passport is not needed to travel again late September through mid-November. sites to choose from, you will rarely see more Leatherbacks are spotted. and crabs. It is not unusual to see turtles during during other seasons. Mona is a mere 3 miles
between the United States and Puerto Rico. In March through May the waves that draw than one dive boat at a dive location. the dive or en-route to the dive destinations. wide and 4 miles long and other than diving,
The main population is Latino and African surfers from around the world are rare, the Divers will be intrigued by the many varieties One of the dive sites has an amazing pinnacle offers snorkeling, fishing, and hiking. Mona
American with a scatter of transplants from rainy season has not started, and the water is The decompression chamber at the Hyperbaric of soft and hard corral, which remain that if conditions are optimal you can dive all has no hotel facilities but does offer rustic
around the world including many snowbirds still cool enough that plankton and algae are Medical Facility in San Juan is the largest in unmolested by humans and mostly unaffected the way around it through sea whips, soft and camping and limited bathroom facilities.
and surfers wintering in tropical Puerto Rico. minimal. From late September through mid- Latin America and one of the best in the world: by hurricane activity. Although spear fishing hard corals, sponges, and many varieties of sea (No electricity or running water.) A permit
Spanish is the predominate language although November the breaking waves are mostly 787-281-2794/2797. is legal several months of the year, the fish, life. Nurse and Tiger Sharks have been spotted from the Department of Natural Resources
most Puerto Ricans are fluent in English. non-existent, the water is starting to cool off, lobster, and crab population seems virtually at several dive sites, but the best experience of is needed which most charter services will
and the torrential downpours of the rainy What You Can Expect to See Diving: endless in Puerto Rican waters. Culebra diving is the feeling you get of being acquire for you. Mona takes preplanning and
Recreational activities in Puerto Rico include season and hurricane season are over so, Puerto Rico is home to Caribbean diving at in a giant, well-populated aquarium. Culebra a long boat ride on open water but the diving
an abundance of spectacular beaches offering again, the visibility and weather predictability its finest and on a clear day it seems like you Preferred Dive Sites: also offers many beautiful beaches; three of is well worth the effort. The exceptional water
swimming, snorkeling, world-class surfing, is very favorable for the best possible diving literally can see forever. The majority of the Desecheo Island is located off the western tip which are closed during the nesting season of visibility (usually 200 ft), outstanding reef
and wind surfing. Along with phenomenal conditions. dive sites are on the west end of the island of the main island and is about a 40 minute boat the Hawksbills and Green Sea Turtles. (Private condition, and abundant sea life make the trip
scuba diving, the island also has many natural which ironically is the same general area that ride (land access is not permitted). There are tours are available.) to Mona Island very attractive.
and man-made attractions including whale The water temperature on the Caribbean side hosts the annual surfboard competitions. several buoyed dive sites at Desecheo marking
watching, fishing, sailing, hiking, horseback of the island is 75° in the winter months to 84° various points of interest. One of the favorite La Parguera Wall is located on the Southwestern Other Attractions:
riding, water parks, museums and theaters. in the summer months. Visibility varies by You will see many species of fish including sites is Fan City, which is literally filled with side of Puerto Rico. It is a 22 mile wall with a The East end (San Juan and vicinity) is the
dive sight and the time of year so it can range Banded Butterflyfish, French Angelfish, sea fans and soft coral. The Aquarium is loaded depth range of 30 ft to over 2000 ft. This is a more populated and modernized portion of
from 30 ft to over 200ft. Grey Angelfish, Blue Tang, Littlehead Porgy, with so many fish you really do feel like you great wall dive and one of
Generally the further you Doctorfish, Sand Diver, Red and Bluestriped Wheel
are inside a huge aquarium. Yellow Reef has the best places if you are
get from the main island, Lizardfish, Spotted Drum, Flounders, an awesome pinnacle to swim around and also interested in deep diving,
the better the visibility. Trumpetfish, Trunkfish, Queen Triggerfish, is the deepest (approximately 100 ft) moored but it usually has limited
(River runoff from the Puffers, several varieties of Parrotfish, sight at Desecheo. Las Cuevas has some novice visibility, which can be as
mountains tends to cloud Groupers, Damselfish, Grunts, Gobys, caves and swim-throughs to explore and you poor as 30 ft on an average
the visibility in the costal Blennys, and many more. may see a Nurse Shark nestled in one of them. day. On the shallower
waters.) Most of the dive Tiger Sharks are common around Desecheo sections of the wall you
operations provide on- The Spotted Moray is the most common eel and occasionally a Hammerhead is spotted. will see many varieties
board rinse tanks, fresh in this section of the Caribbean although local of fish, some very large
drinking water, soft divers have reported other eels. Nurse and Tiger Culebra Island (7 miles long and 3 miles wide) lobster and even larger
drinks, snacks and lunch. Sharks are abundant; however an occasional is located approximately 17 miles (1-2 hour crabs. It’s a fun dive and a
Dive charters generally Bull and Hammerhead have been reported. ferry ride) from the east end of the main island very short boat ride.
depart before 9:00 AM The Southern Stingray and the Spotted Eagle of Puerto Rico and has some of the most Mona Island is located
and return no later than Ray inhabit this general area and occasionally notorious diving with visibility comparable 50 miles west of PuertoDESTINATION PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico with many historical and natural life including flowers encompassing every it is a short but “adventurous” hike into the
surroundings to offer. spectrum of the rainbow. The highest point falls. You can swim in the fresh water and try
is on the El Toror trail at 3,533 ft. Of the 13 your luck at rock climbing into the falls. There
Touring the authentic Spanish forts of Old San official/maintained trails, some are paved and are no facilities here, but I would not bring
Juan which date back to the early 1500’s gives provide easy passage however other trails are anything that did not fit in a backpack, thus,
a humbling and historic insight to Puerto Rico unpaved and muddy, therefore, recommended keeping your hands free. If it starts to rain, I
and allows visitors a glimpse of the turmoil for those more adventurous hikers. recommend heading back to your car because
she was forced to go through to maintain her the trail can become quite muddy.
freedom. El Morro is a six level fort with In the south central region of the island in a
140 ft of walls surrounding her, some as thick
as 15 feet. El Morro has a gray, castellated
community called Coamo are the Natural Hot
Mineral Baths. Several major hotel chains
On the western peak of Puerto Rico, Rincon
marks the dividing point of the calmer Ultimately the Best!
lighthouse, which still functions today. San have tried to purchase the springs, but the Caribbean Sea and the more violent North We provide our clients with the Ultimate
Cristobal fort covers 27 acres with 150 ft of island of Puerto Rico refused to sell, choosing Atlantic Ocean. It is at this point (Maria’s in service, quality, and value. We personally
walls enclosing moats, booby-trapped bridges, to keep the Baths free and open to the general Beach/Rincon Lighthouse vicinity) that the inspect every resort property and dive opera-
and tunnels. When you succumb to the public. The Baths are legend to be medicinal annual surfing competitions are held. The tion in all 22 countries that we represent. We
protection of the fort’s massive stone walls you comprising of healing powers for many Surf Season in Puerto Rico is mid-November are committed to providing our clients with an
will tend to forget you are near the progressive ailments. through March, but the prime season is honest, first-hand description of any location
city life of San Juan and will soon become December through February. of interest. We are the only dive-dedicated
travel wholesaler in the Midwest. Let our
Fun 2 Dive SCUBA
Cabo Rojo Lighthouse is in the southwestern
team go overboard to provide you with the...
area of Puerto Rico and sits at the edge of a Unobtrusive whale watching can be done from MANATEE SNORKELING
200 ft cliff. The half moon shaped beach is the observation park at the Rincon Lighthouse, ULTIMATE DIVE VACATION!
called La Playuela. This is a very rustic setting but several charter operations do offer Whale Small Classes Scuba Training
so bring everything you need with you. The Watching cruises in the afternoon. Humpback Popular destinations include: Full Day Tours Rebreather Training
Caribbean Central & South America 2 Charter Boats Referral Diver Training
view from the lighthouse is an awesome sight whales can be seen from late December through
surpassed only by the spectacular view from March, but the peak Whale Watching season Micronesia South/Southeast Asia
South Pacific Australia Locations throughout Florida!
the adjacent cliffs. The swimming and hiking is February. Local surfers, divers, and boaters
are great in this area, and the water is usually are accustomed to sharing the waterways with Visit us on the web: www.fun2dive.com
crystal clear. The water is extremely salty at these magnificent creatures. 1-800-737-DIVE (3483)
this beach and leaves your skin feeling soft www.ultimatedivetravel.com
and refreshed. The author wishes to extend the deepest udive@ultimatedivetravel.com 1-888-588-DIVE
3-4-8-3
gratitude to Captain “Miami” Dave Offermann, 1814 Harcourt Dr., Woodridge, IL 60517
In the northwestern region of Puerto Rico are Captain Greg Carson, and Taino Divers of
the famous Camuy Caves. This is a guided Rincon, for answering my seemingly endless
tour, which includes a trolley ride to the questions without complaint. THE FIRST & ONLY MULTI-NATIONAL DIVE MAGAZINE — WORLDWIDE SINCE 2004
(FU93BZ.BHUPEBZ*UT'3&&
sinkhole cave entrance. The beauty of the
limestone formations and spectacular stalactite
and stalagmite formations is enhanced by the
magnitude of the Caves. The underwater river
that flows through the caves into uncharted Read by divers in over 80 countries and produced by dive editors on four continents
territory rises and falls with the rains,
Snapshot: X-RAY MAG truly spans the globe, bringing you dive news from Siberia to Patagonia.
hurricanes, and volcanic activity. Michele Jarvey and INTERNATIONAL Dive Travel ▪ News ▪ Equipment ▪ Profiles
Carlos-Miguel Cruz DIVE MAGAZINE Science ▪ Dive Med ▪ Books ▪ Adventure
Underwater Photography ▪ Conservation
In the northwestern section of Puerto Rico
www.xray-mag.com Marine Ecology ▪ Tech ▪ Wrecks & more!
mesmerized with the charm and character the Bosque de Guajataca State Forest Michele Jarvey is a PADI Rescue
of Old San Juan. Walking the cobblestone covers approximately 2,286 acres and has Diver and free lance writer who X-RAY MAG is a full-format eco-friendly
streets designed during the horse and buggy some excellent hiking trails, which are well bi-monthly digital magazine distributed
produces health and diving related
era visitors admire the historic architecture, maintained but can be muddy and slippery via the Internet to your email box in pdf
brochures, newsletters, newspaper, format — printing is optional, saving trees
cultural specialty shops, cathedrals, the local during the rainy season. This is a self-guided and magazine articles.
pubs, and the indoor/outdoor venue offered in tour, but the visitor’s station provides maps, Contact Michele at
the unique dining establishments. which outline the trails and points of interest. mmjarvey@gmail.com
If you plan to explore the beautiful stalactites
It is this end of the island that is home to the and stalagmite formations in the rustic El Carlos-Miguel Cruz is a Dive
phenomenal El Yunque rainforest nestled in the Viento Cave, bring a flashlight and try not to Instructor who owns and operates
enchanted Luquillo Mountains. The El Yunque disturb the bats, they will not hurt you, but if Parcela en la bahia Estudios, an
trails are host to many breathtaking sights you have fruit or open food in your backpack, independent photography business.
including the unforgettable view from the Mt. they may fly around close to your head. Along with still photos Carlos has
Britton Lookout Tower; the La Coca waterfall produced footage for fish farm
that has an 85 ft drop with a natural wading/
swimming pool to cool off in. There are many
Not far from the Guajataca Forest is the
Gozalandia waterfall. The falls are a little
studies and documentaries. 4JHOVQUPEBZoJUT'3&&
www.xray-mag.com
Contact Carlos at
rare species of trees; some 1,000 years old, challenging to find, but when you get there you parcelaestudios@sprintpcs.com
and several hundred varieties of exotic plant will not be disappointed. Once at the entrance
25 MIDWEST SCUBA DIVING FALL 2007You can also read
