Update: Vandenberg Sinking A Success

We reported that after much delay, the USS Vandenberg was finally scheduled for sinking on May 27, 2009, some 7 miles off the coast of Key West, Florida. After 10 years, the former missile tracking ship was finally laid to rest at 10:21 am, when the 44 strategically placed charges were set off, and the vessel sank in less than 2 minutes. It is now officially the 2nd largest intentionally-sunk ship in the world. Videos of the historic event can be found on Youtube, but the best views were from the deck of the Vandenberg itself - several on-board cameras were mounted on the ship and documented every moment of scuttling. The video can be found on the official Key West website here. Even on video, it was an amazing sight to behold as water slowly engulfed the 522-foot former military boat, and reach the bottom of the sea.

3 Days later, the wreck was opened to recreation divers. The video of the first divers reaching the wreck can be found here, and the site is expected to draw divers from all over the US and the world. It is hoped that in the decades to come, the Vandenberg will become an artificial reef and attract a variety of corals and other marine life.

Paranoia Alert: PADI Turns Over Database to FBI

If you learned to scuba dive in the past 3 years, then chances are, the government has most of the data you provided to PADI. In an effort to fight terrorists, the FBI has requested the Professional Association of Diving Instructors for the names, addresses and other information of almost every US Citizen who got their c-card since 2006. This was reported in a study by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) entitled “The Surveillance-Industrial Complex”, which highlights the various ways in which private companies have released possibly sensitive data to the government, to aid them on their “war on terror”.

This raises many issues about privacy, especially since PADI gave up the data voluntarily, without any subpoena or court order. According the PADI spokesperson and Vice President of Industry Relations Jeff Nadler that there were reports that mentioned rigging underwater explosions was mentioned in one of the training manuals, which was what triggered the search for the data.

“The biggest surprise is the aggressiveness with which the government is pursuing the concept of data mining,” said Jay Stanley, who wrote the report. “It really does make real the scenarios that privacy advocates have been worried about for decades. We are in the process of making every American a suspect.”

UPDATE: US, Canada and UK Remove Mexico Travel Warnings

Officials from the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom are among the list of 10 countries who have lifted the travel ban to Mexico. The virulent outbreak of the H1N1 or swine flu earlier this month caused panic around the world, with various health organizations asking travelers to avoid all but essential travel to the country in an effort to stop the spread of the sickness. As of the time of writing, the World Health Organization has counted 86 deaths from the flu.

Resorts in the affected area wasted not time in creating “Flu Free” guarantees and promotions. Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Azul Hotels by Karisma, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas are only some of the properties that are offering deep discounts and are so confident that they are “Flu Free” that they offer free trips to those who get infected during their vacation. To view the complete story, visit the CDNN network here.

Vandenberg All Set For Sinking On The 27th of May

May 27th is the set date for the Vandenberg’s sinking off the coast of Florida. The former missile tracking ship will be plunged some 140 feet deep, just 7 miles south off Key West. While some factors, such as weather could delay the project, the project’s organizers are confident that the much-anticipated sinking will finally push through. Officials have yet to set a time, but have stated that it will most likely be sometime in the morning.

The Vandenberg will become the largest intentionally sunk ship once the project has been completed. The site will not only serve as a world class sport diving spot, but will benefit the marine life with the addition of artificial reefs. The preparations for the scuttling have been intensive and included extensive cleaning to protect the natural ecosystem once it is fully sunk.

For more information, visit the official website at http://www.bigshipwrecks.com/

SoCal Divers: Participate In This Year’s Chamber Day and Eve 2009

The largest scuba charity event in the United States, Chamber Day, is once again being held this year on May 6th to benefit the Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber. The celebration kicks off with a full day of diving, and a tour of the actual chamber.  The activities will lead up to the Chamber Eve dinner fundraiser, to be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Catalina Hyperbaric Chamber has been serving divers in the are for 35 years on a round-the-clock basis. Though it receives some funding from the local government, it is mostly dependent on donations, with Chamber Day activities raising almost 50% of the annual budget.

Attending the event will cost $120 for 2 dives and includes food, tank refills, a t-shirt, 5 raffle tickets and a tour of the facilities. Chamber Eve tickets cost $90 and includeds dinner, 5 raffle tickets and a tour of the aquarium. Various other fund-raising activities are planned, and 100% of the proceeds will go to maintaining and running the chamber. For more information, visit the Chamber Day Website.

Holidays Cancelled Due to Swine Flu Outbreak

According to the Cyber Diver News Network (CDNN), many airlines and tour operators have elected to cancel upcoming flights and trips in and around Mexico due to the recent outbreak of swine flu. Officials in New York  have confirmed that a group of students in had contracted the disease while vacationing in Cancun. The students carried the same strain which killed 19 people in Mexico. Health agencies from around the world have already warned against traveling to Mexico and the US for fear of further spreading the infection.

The swine flu epidemic comes as a major blow to Mexico’s already struggling tourism industry, which has been flailing due to the global economic crises and domestic drug and gang-related violence. According to business organization, Mexico may have already lost $1 billion dollars since the news of the illness broke.

Scuba Program for Veterans

A program at Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Medical Center uses Scuba diving as part of their medical program for disabled veterans. Soldiers Undertaking Disabled Scuba (SUDS) is an all-volunteer program that teaches wounded soldiers scuba diving to increase mobility and accelerate the rehabilitation process.

“It’s a wonderful therapy because it helps you build your self confidence. It helps you remember that you are still an independent person. You don’t have to rely on help for everything. The program is just, it’s amazing. The instructors do a great job.” Says Sgt.Shane Heath, a participant of the program. For the complete video of the entire ABC News feature, go to http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7143416

For more information about SUDS, visit their website at http://www.sudsdiving.org/