Archive for 2012
…and not by starvation of oxygen like in all the other dives. Herbert is putting together details of his record dive to -249 meters near Santorini on June 6th, such as the confusion of waking up while surfacing, wet recompression, transport to Deco chamber, etc. An official announcement will be made soon. Parallel he is intensively working on his full recovery together with specialists.
After his positive response to the treatment received in Athens and sufficient progress, Herbert has now been transferred to a rehabilitation clinic in Germany. There, he will undertake some more tests to ensure that nothing has been overseen in previous assessments. While he is making strong progresses daily, the combination of rest and no visits remains the best for him currently.
We would like also to communicate further information about the dive. Herbert did reach the planned depth of 244m/800ft and even a bit more to set the mark at 249 meters/820 feet. More depth gauges were used than on any other record attempts. Not all made it below 200 meters, but four of them from the same manufacturer provided accurate readings. Further devices monitored by an oceanic physicist have recorded data with a great sampling rate and precision: it confirms a depth between 249 and 250 meters. The rope was checked again after the dive and backs-up the readings. The difference can be accounted for by the dynamic extension of the rope acting as an absorber when the sled reaches the bottom.
Official Press Release
“Extreme 800”- Herbert Nitsch
Amazing Recovery For The Deepest Freediver Ever
We are glad to inform you tonight that Herbert Nitsch is headed for full recovery. After three recompression treatments, he has been taken out of intensive care and is now under constant but normal monitoring.
We would like to clarify at this stage that the data collected from five instruments during the dive confirms that Herbert did reach the planned depth of 244m/800ft. Undeniably, he is the deepest freediver on earth.
Official Press Release
“Extreme 800”- Herbert Nitsch
Recovering Well After World Record of 244m (800ft)
On the picturesque Island of Santorini, near Thirasia the world record attempt for the “Extreme 800” took place at 2:30pm. Herbert was accompanied by a support team of 5 safety divers, 2 medical specialists and an experienced underwater film crew, all with specific tasks to ensure Herbert´s safety and wellbeing. The warm up and preparation phase went according to plan and he felt very comfortable and clear minded during the initial stage of his final preparation as well as after moving and strapping into his sled.
Herbert Nitsch reached the planned world record depth of 244m (800ft) and reascended without any technical mishap. He did however feel physically unstable upon reaching the depth of 10 meters, which was the planned stop for him to exit the sled and start his decompression routine. According to the drills and safety procedures that had been thoroughly trained and rehearsed, his safety divers then assisted him back up to the surface.
22:00 : The last information received from Athens, is that Herbert was conscious and speaking fluidly at the time he was taken to the hospital. He has been taken into the recompression chamber and is undergoing treatment. Due to the nature of such treatment, which may ongoing for a few hours, we might not be able to provide further updates tonight.
We expect to receive detailed information within tomorrow, Friday June 7th before noon and will provide further update as soon as possible via the usual channels.
Herbert, his family and the team in Santorini wish to thank all those who care about Herbert’s well being.
14:35 : Herbert felt unwell whilst ascending. On the surface he was conscious and communicating, and requested oxygen, following his standard decompression protocol. He went back to a depth of 6-9m with pure oxygen for approx. 10-15mins. Upon resurfacing he still felt physically weaker than expected. The emergency chain was set in motion and Herbert was taken to the airport of Santorini from where he has now been flown to the naval hyperbaric chamber in Athens. An update on Herbert’s health and wellbeing is expected within 2-4hrs, and all further information will be made available as soon as possible.
14:30 : Dive started.
13:00 : Officlal top will be 14:30. Should be final!
11:00 : All set, we’re now preparing for the dive.
10:00 : Dive time official top moved from 12:00 to 14:00
09:00 : Boat drifting, we have to pull the buoy in and set anchor again.