Dahab, a small coastal town in Sinai, is home to one of the most fascinating natural wonders in the world: the Blue Hole. Known for its mesmerizing beauty, this underwater sinkhole attracts divers from around the world. However, beneath its seductive façade hides a treacherous reality. This reality is presented in all its complexity in the new Netflix film, "Breathe Deeply," which was released last week and starred in fifth place in the world and sixth in Israel on the list of the most watched films of the past week. Forefront expands a bit on the world's most beautiful and deadly dive site, which has claimed an estimated 150 to 200 divers in the past 15 years:
The Blue Hole is a kind of pit right on the Dahab coast, which allows divers to witness a breathtaking underwater landscape. Divers are attracted by the clear turquoise waters, the vibrant coral reefs, which form a kind of underwater rainbow, and the abundance of marine life. The hole itself is a vertical tunnel that reaches a depth of about 130 meters, making it a point of attraction for experienced divers looking for an adrenaline rush and an opportunity to explore the mysterious depths just meters from the shore.
On the other hand, the amazing beauty hides dangers. The depth of the sinkhole, combined with its narrow opening and the shielding of losing direction within the coral arc, create a unique set of challenges for divers. The temptation to explore the depths can tempt even the most experienced divers to push their limits, often ignoring safety protocols.
In 2022, tragedy struck when Stephen Keenan, a British diver, lost his life while trying to save his partner, Alessia Zacchini, the world champion in freediving. Kenan, an experienced diver himself, encountered difficulties during the rescue attempt, and surrendered to the depths of the blue hole. This unfortunate incident is a poignant reminder of the risks involved in diving at this site.
To reduce the risks associated with diving in the blue hole, divers should make safety a top priority. Among the main recommendations: Only experienced divers, with appropriate qualifications, training and knowledge of deep diving techniques, should try to dive into the blue hole. Always dive after careful planning of the dive, including familiarity with the blue hole map, proper and maintained equipment, and accompanied by a friend.
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