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30/Dec/2007: As
Kuda Rah Thila is only 15 minutes away by boat from Vakarufalhi we go to this
beautiful dive sites on a regular basis. Everytime we are overwhelmed by the
amount of different fish there. Today there was the cherry on top: We could
see an amazing guitar shark (guitar ray) which was lying a bit deeper down in
the sand.
28/Dec/2007: During the check dive on the house reef we could see a manta
ray passing by. At the same time there were four dolphins seen during the dive
on Ali Thila. And on the fullday trip we could see three manta rays at Manta
Point and five juvenile grey reef sharks at Sun Island Beru.
18/Dec/2007: At Vakarufalhi Beru Thila we saw again five grey reef sharks
und some really fat tunas. Two of these tunas were about 1.2 to 1.5 meters long
(4 - 5 feet) - real monsters!!
At the same time two Advanced Open Water students had luck at our house reef:
During the ascent from the Deep Dive they saw three dolphins and one eagle ray.
16/Dec/2007: During our fullday trip to Manta Point today we saw our first
manta ray of this manta season. The manta ray was "only" passing by
and not at the cleaning station. Anyway it looks like they are already close
to the cleaning stations and so we hope that the manta season will start soon.
In the afternoon there was again a whale shark which could be seen during the
dive at Sun Island Beru.
15/Dec/2007: At 7th Heaven we could watch again grey reef sharks together
with some whitetip reef sharks. At Rheeti Thila we had two stingrays in the
canyons, some barracudas and a huge napoleon wrasse.
13/Dec/2007: This morning on the way to Thinefushi Etere Thila we had a
very spezial encounter: We drove in the middle of a huge group of pilot whales
which were hunting. These animals were up to 3 meters long (9 feet) and some
jumped totally out of the water or they came in groups up to ten very close
to our boat. After that spectacle we could follow a sailfish (swordfish) for
a long time which had its sail up looking for food close to the surface.
In the afternoon we dived on Vakarufalhi Beru Thila and could see approx. 15
grey reef sharks. No matter if under or over water - today we had sensations
everywhere!!
07/Nov - 09/Dec/2007: We are not sure if it's fair that the best things
can be seen while we are on holiday! Here we write a summary of the last 4 weeks:
First there were grey reef sharks on Dhigurah Etere Thila and Aah Thila to see.
On Rheeti Thila they even saw two grey reef sharks swimming through the canyons.
On Angaga Thila there was an encounter with the rare silver tip shark. A lot
of sailfish (swordfish) are still around and were seen during safety stops in
the blue or from the boat while jumping out of the water. But that's not all
yet: At Maamigili Beru and Dhidooh Beru Faru they could snorkel with a whale
shark and next day at Dhidooh Beru Faru even they saw a whale shark on the dive.
But the best is yet to come: During a dive at Sun Island Beru the divers saw
3 whale sharks passing by!!! Now we are very curious what else we can expect
until the end of the year :-)
03/Nov/2007: This evening we went for a jog around the island like many
times. As the island is quite small to run around we always run to the end of
the jetty and back to extend the length of the track. Today we were rewarded
for that as we could see a guitar shark (guitar ray) swimming over the top of
the reef!!! This encounter gave us boost for an extra round. There is probably
no other fitness centre that exciting on the whole world!!
24/Oct/2007: Today we tried our luck once again at Dhigurah Beru hoping
to see a whale shark again. Unfortunately we saw no whale shark but had other
luck: First we saw two eagle rays on top of each other swimming in formation,
then we saw three whitetip reef sharks together swimming over the top reef and
the absolute sensation was a guitar shark (guitar ray), which was coming along
as well for a short time!
23/Oct/2007: Also on Kuda Rah Thila we could see today a sail fish during
the safety stop. Finally whale shark news: At Dhigurah Beru we could see an
approx. 7 meters (21 feet) long whale shark which came along during our dive.
21/Oct/2007: Courses are really worth to be done: Two students from an Open
Water Diver course and two from an Advances course could see 5 dolphins during
their dive on our house reef.
During our morning and afternoon boat dives we had sailfish (swordfish) encounters
during the safety stops, where once a sailfish came even one meter close.
06-14/Oct/2007: We had some exciting days on Vakarufalhi. Here is a small
summary of what we have seen in the last few days: It has begun with 6 mobula
mantas (pygmy devil rays) at Thinefushi Beru Thila followed by several black
blotched stingrays at Dhigurah Etere and Angaga Thila (there were as well 6
whitetip reef sharks in a group on the way and 3 turtles together on the top
reef looking for some tasty food). It continued with a nurse shark at Kalu Giri
and 4 eagle rays and 2 dolphins at Dhidooh Beru Faru (Outreef). At Broken Rock
we have seen again 6 mobula mantas (pygmy devil rays) and at Dhangethi Beru
Outreef we just missed a whale shark (we discovered him at the surface, but
as we came closer he dived down unfortunately). But for that there were those
10 sailfish (swordfish) at Hane Thila and again several eagle rays at Ari Beach
Beru. We keep you updated…
26/Sept/2007: The last week was full of interesting encounters: First of
all the ornate pipefish at Ali Thila is still there. Then two leaf fish have
been found at Dhigurah Beru. One day later we saw another grey reef shark at
Broken Rock and two days later four grey reef sharks at Vakarufalhi Etere Thila.
The next day went on with mobula mantas at Dhigurah Etere and Dhigurah Beru
Thila. After that we had a house reef night dive, where a guitar shark (guitar
ray) passed by. And today we saw finally a big blue frogfish again on Kahambu
Thila. We hope now, that he will stay for a longer time there!
We are curious if the next week will be as exciting as this one but we'll try
our best!!!
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| 17/Sept/2007:
This afternoon we suddenly heard the news of a whale shark that have been seen
in the bay of Dhangethi. Fast as lightning we took our snorkelling gear and
went there by boat. When we arrived, there was really a whale shark and already
some snorklers from liveaboard in the water. We could snorkel for 45 minutes
with the approx. 5 meter (15 feet) long giant. While snorkelling Tommy could
take this picture of Nancy with the whale shark. Don't worry, the whale shark
is no competition for the manta ray Ravioli which is still No. 1 :-) See also
our news from 23/March/2006.
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16/Sept/2007:
This morning we went to Ali Thila again to check if the ornate pipefish is still
there. It was still there but it had already moved a bit and was hiding in another
coral. On the way back we had a big surprise: From the boat we could see a lot
of fins sticking out of the water. When we came closer we could see that they
were pilot whales. So we jumped in the water with snorkelling equipment and
could snorkel with more than 15 pilot whales!!! Approximately one hour later
we could see the pilot whales together with sailfish (swordfish) hunting from
the 2 tank dive boat. At this time there was so much action in the water that
the spectacle was watched from the boat.
15/Sept/2007: Today was "Clean up the World" day, where we cleaned
up the house reef together with our guests. During the dive we found and collected
lots of tins, bottles, all kind of plastic trash, fishing lines and so on. Thanks
to everybody who helped for a good cause!
In the afternoon we went diving to Ali Thila, where we found a ornate pipefish
(harlequin ghost pipefish)!!! We now hope that this beautiful small creature
stays there for a while so that many more divers can see it.
12/Sept/2007: This morning we went to Dhigurah Etere Thila. Just after descending
we found two Jorunna Funebris nudibranchs having sex and shortly afterwards
two flatworms lying on each other!!! Some minutes later there came a leopard
shark along and was lying in the sand so we could watch him for the longest
time. Too bad that not a second shark was coming along to play the same game
the nudibranchs and the flatworms were playing…but unfortunately this did
not happen.
In the afternoon we dived on a good current Broken Rock. While we were diving
through the canyon we could already see a grey reef shark which was swimming
above us. After we came out of the canyon he swam another round in front of
us and then disappeared. Considering that we don't see grey reef sharks often
and even less often leopard sharks in the South Ari Atoll this was a lucky day
today!
07/Sept/2007: Today at the famous Kuda Rah Thila was again the honeycomb
moray eel with the slightly aggressive cleaner wrasse which is always drilling
into the moray eels gill on full speed to make everything clean down there.
The moray eel seems to like it. See also the pictures in Gallery
6.
02/Sept/2007: Two days ago we have seen already one of the pretty rare mangrove
whip rays at Aah Thila. Today we were lucky and have seen an other one coming
along at Thinefushi Etere Thila.
01/Sept/2007: Already at the 27. and 28. of August we saw eagle rays at
Broken Rock and Thinefushi Etere Thila. We could even top it today. On the Outreef
at Ari Beach Beru we have seen today 12 eagle rays at the same place!!
16/Aug/2007: Encounters from its best on today's Fullday Excursion. First
we could snorkel with more than 20 sailfish (swordfish) on the Outreef at Ari
Beach Beru. Later on, on our way along the Outreef, we could go snorkelling
again at Bodufinolhu Beru. But this time with a whale shark. And last but not
least on the afternoon dive at Manta Point we saw two manta rays passing by
along the reef.
09/Aug/2007: On today's fullday excursion along the Outreef were no whale
sharks to see. But for that we discovered a leopard shark (zebra shark). He
was lying at 28 meters (84 feet) in the sand and was having a little snooze
down there.
01/Aug/2007: Again a full day trip was on today's program with perfect weather
conditions. First we could snorkel with manta rays at Dhigurah Etere. Then we
went for the first dive to Ari Beach Beru where we saw two beautiful eagle rays
but no whale shark. As soon as we descended the boat crew was pointing beside
us where an approx. 5 meter (15 feet) tall whale shark was. It was swimming
on the top reef in a depth of 3 metres. We had to fin like crazy to follow the
big animal. Shortly later we saw a second whale shark from the boat which disappeared
fast again in the blue. In the afternoon we dived at Manta Point where we saw
again manta rays feeding on the surface.
29/July/2007: This morning we went to Kalu Giri. On this dive site we usually
find small animals and shoals of fish. That's why we were even more surprised
when we saw an approx. 2.5 meter (7 feet) tall nurse shark lying in an overhang.
28/July/2007: Today we had beautiful weather which was perfect for our fullday
trip along the Out Reef to Manta Point. But first we started our day in the
bay of Dhigurah Etere as we heard that manta rays have been seen on the surface.
There were really up to 5 manta rays on the surface and we could snorkel with
them. Along the out reef we could not find any whale shark but were then surprised
with a stunning dive on Manta Point: With beautiful visibility and a light current
we were drifting along the reef where we saw several whitetip reef sharks, some
napoleons, a big black spotted stingray, a mangrove stingray and during the
safety stop a manta ray!!
24/July/2007: On today's program was the deep dive out of an Advanced Open
Water at our House Reef. So we are kneeling down there at 30 meters in the sand
and doing our skills as 3 mobula manta rays (pygmy devil rays) came along and
swam by directly in front of us. As all of us saw the same we assume that it
wasn't a hallucination of a nitrogen narcosis.
20/July/2007: Since a long time we have seen a grey reef shark at Broken
Rock. He was there together with a whitetip reef shark. But today we paid a
little bit more attention to the grey reef shark :-)
16/July/2007: Faithful guy: The nurse shark on MV Kudhima Wreck still seems
to like his home. Almost every time when we dive the wreck we can find this
more than 2 meter (6 feet) tall shark lying underneath the keel. Hopefully he
stays there and is not looking for a new home.
25/June/2007: Actually we went to Sun Island Beru to see some whale sharks
on our dive but instead we had a sad experience there. In about 10 meter depth
we found a dead hawksbill turtle which got completely tangled up in a fishing
net. As the net as well got caught in the reef the turtle could not swim up
anymore to the surface to breath and so she simply drowned down there. So we
cut her out of the net and "buried" her in deeper water. Also the
net we cut off the reef and brought it up on our boat.
We think it is time to think again about fishing methods and what harm they
do to the sea (also to glean in our categories Do
something and Fishing)!!
09/June/2007: Today we went on a full day trip to Manta Point and the out
reef. First we could dive for more than 40 minutes with up to 5 manta rays which
were always on the cleaning stations. After lunch we went with big smiles on
our faces to the out reef hoping to find a whale shark. Already before the dive
we could snorkel with 2 different whale sharks in front of Sun Island and after
the dive again with 2!!! The score of 5 manta rays and 4 whale sharks is not
to bad, isn't it? We are sure that we and the guests who were joining will often
dream of this day…and tell everyone, no matter if he wants to hear it or
not :-)
08/June/2007: Because of too strong current in the channel we went this
morning to the Outreef to Ari Beach Beru and have seen there a 2 meter (6 feet)
tall guitar shark (guitar ray).
02-04/June/2007: On 2 June we went to Hukuru Ehli Faru, where we can see
manta rays from January to April. We did not expect manta rays but were looking
forward to a nice dive on a beautiful reef. We enjoyed napoleons, sharks and
turtles when we suddenly saw a manta ray on a cleaning station. Until the end
of the dive we saw 3 manta rays. Two days later we went again to this dive site
and were again lucky to see some manta rays on the cleaning stations.
31/May/2007: During the safety stop a in the middle of the channel at Dhigurah
Beru Thila two of our divers were very lucky today and have seen a whale shark
passing by directly above them. Unbelievable!!!
24/May/2007: Today there was beside other activities a 2 tank dive on the
program. The trip led us to the North where we dived first Kalu Giri. While
we were looking for small things on the reef there was suddenly a manta ray
out of the nothing. We all could admire the manta ray for a while before he
left again. The second dive was on Velagali Thila. Unfortunately we did not
see another manta ray there but we were enjoying the dive anyway as we were
still thinking of the manta from the first dive.
23/May/2007: Today the snorklers of Vakarufalhi were the lucky devils. Besides
a whale shark they also saw dolphins under water while snorkeling on the house
reef. We were diving on the out reef looking for whale sharks. No wonder we
did not see one as he was directly at our front door :-)
20/May/2007: Again a whale shark and two manta rays have been seen. This
time at Dhigruah Etere. And that happened just because we had to change the
dive site because of too strong current in the channel. As you can see also
plan B can be very exciting!!!
19/May/2007: What a surprise at Dhangethi Corner this morning. We are drifting
very pleasant along the reef as suddenly about 10-12 dolphins showing up beside
us, having an eye on us and already disappearing again. These are 15 seconds
out of a 60 minutes dive which will stay forever in our memory.
18/May/2007: Very special shark encounters! This morning on MV Kudhima Wreck
there was a guitar shark (guitar ray) on his way, a species which we don't see
often here. The nurse shark which was lying under the wreck was almost ignored
because of the guitar shark!!
In the afternoon we went to Kahambu Thila where we saw up to 7 silvertip reef
sharks. They came and disappeared again and again during the whole dive so we
could enjoy them several times.
16/May/2007: Finally news again on our behalf! We were on holiday the last
weeks and that's why we did not write any news. But while we were away there
was a lot going on here: Twice whale sharks on the out reef, once a whale shark
in the channel on Thinefushi Etere Thila, manta rays, mobula mantas, eagle rays
and and and. On top of that on 1st May exactly 65 young green turtles hatched
out of their eggs, which had been laid on 27th February here on Vakarufalhi
by a green turtle. Now we hope that it will go on with so many great encounters
so we can keep you updated on our website.
21/Apr/2007: Today as already two days ago we got really spoiled at Manta
Point by the manta rays. Again and again they came up from the deep blue water
and got cleaned by the small cleaner wrasse on the top of the reef in about
10 meters (30 feet) depth. Some we could watch there for about 30 minutes without
moving ourselves from the place. As it looks like manta season hasn't be finished
yet!!!
20/Apr/2007: At Angaga Thila we were lucky today and could watch a grey
reef shark patrolling all the time along the reef. And a small baby eagle ray
showed up for a short time as well.
18/Apr/2007: After a long time we found today the leaf fish at Dhigurah
Etere Thila again. But now there are even two of them there. A yellow one and
a white one are sitting right to each other by the same coral. Therefore you
can admire now leaf fish with us at Manta Point, at Broken Rock and as already
mentioned at Dhigurah Etere Thila.
10/Apr/2007: At Dhigurah Etere were a lot of special things to see. First
some manta rays and the smaller pygmy devil rays (pygmy mobula) were passing
by and on top there was even a guitar shark (guitar ray) coming along. We think
we go there again!!!
3/Apr/2007: Again we went to Manta Point this morning. Already on the way
there we could see manta rays feeding on the surface. When we arrived at Manta
Point we could see that it was good visibility and an incoming current, so we
lost a bit the hope of seeing manta rays today. But already on the current check
there was a manta ray on a cleaning station. So we all started our dive there
and could see up to 3 manta rays on the cleaning station for 20 minutes without
even moving a bit!!! Then we went on along the reef and could see manta rays
again and again. On the safety stop we could even see a "manta ray street":
5 manta rays swimming behind each other close to us! Now you are asking how
the mood was on the boat after this dive??? We guess we don't have to say anything
else!
2/Apr/2007: This morning we tried our luck at Maamigili Beru but unfortunately
we could not find a whale shark. But instead we could see a big shoal of barracudas
and a pygmy devil ray (pygmy mobula) on the safety stop.
The divers from the 2 tank dive boat were also lucky and could see some grey
reef sharks on their second dive at Meddu Thila.
1/Apr/2007: This morning we went to Manta Point. During the dive there was
only one manta ray passing by very quickly. But we were rewarded after the dive:
The manta rays were feeding on the surface and so we could snorkel with up to
20 manta rays. It looked like a manta ray soup and we did not know anymore where
to look because there were so many around!!!
31/Mar/2007: We heard that a whale shark had been seen on the out reef that's
why we went to Maamigili Beru this morning. Unfortunately there was no whale
shark but a leopard shark (zebra shark) instead. On the way back there were
many dolphins coming very close to the boat. Because the sea is totally flat
at the moment we could see the dolphins in their full size and beauty for a
long time.
30/Mar/2007: The last days we have seen a lot: There was for example a leaf
fish on Manta Point and the next day one leaf fish on Broken Rock. Who knows,
maybe we find some more on the other dive sites. Today we had to focus our eyes
on bigger things as we could see a grey reef shark for 10 minutes on Vakarufalhi
Beru Thila.
26/Mar/2007: This morning we went to Vakarufalhi Etere Thila. As we had
quite strong current the last days we expected the same today and were already
hoping for bigger animals. There was only a very small current but a lot of
big things: We could see several whitetip reef sharks in the sand, two grey
reef sharks passing by, a mobula manta and also a huge napoleon wrasse. And
on top of that we also saw an electric ray (torpedo ray) in an overhang. What
can we say - it was just a successful dive from the beginning to the end.
25/Mar/2007: On the outreef at Ari Beach Beru four dolphins came along our
way. We could watch them for a short time before they disappeared into the blue
again.
21/Mar/2007: Today we found a golden moray eel on the house reef. We were
actually looking at some small juvenile blue striped snappers when we suddenly
saw the cute little orange head of a tiny golden moray eel looking out of a
coral block.
18/Mar/2007: At Vakarufalhi Beru Thila we were watching this morning at
the edge of the reef two grey reef sharks and one stingray on a medium-strong
current. A few minutes later even a shoal of bigeye trevallies (jacks) were
passing by directly in front of us!!
In the afternoon we went again diving in the channel at Dhigurah Etere Thila
with a medium strong current. There were many fish enjoying this current and
also many whitetip reef sharks were cruising around.
13/Mar/2007: At Aah Thila a grey reef shark showed up today for a short
time. Furthermore a second honeycomb moray eel has been seen by the one which
is always at the same spot since already a longer time.
05/Mar/2007: Today we went on our afternoon dive to the famous Broken Rock.
Suddenly we saw a huge napoleon wrasse under a overhang being cleaned and not
disturbed at all by us. After we said good-bye to the napoleon wrasse a formation
of seven eagle rays came flying over the top reef. They made a round in front
of us and then disappeared again.
27/Feb/2007: Today we have to write a correction: On 24 February we were
writing that we had one of the best manta ray dives which was true. But today's
dive on Manta Point even topped the last one!!! There were already two manta
rays right at the beginning of the dive, then went away. After some minutes
the next manta rays came along and disappeared until finally 9 manta rays together
came out of the blue. Imagine what a picture it is to see 9 manta rays together
in one spot!!! Then they went on the different cleaning stations and everybody
of us could enjoy his "private" manta ray. It went on like this until
finally we had to finish our dive and say goodbye to these amazing animals.
Again an entry of a special kind: This night a green turtle came on the island
of Vakarufalhi to lay its eggs. A guest was on the way home from the bar to
the bungalow when he saw this big animal on the beach. We got up once again
and could watch how the turtle was digging the hole in the sand and laying the
eggs in there. It was an incredible event even thought it could have gone a
bit faster…the whole procedure started at 11 pm and was over at 2 am. You
can imagine that we all looked a bit older the next morning than usual :-)
26/Feb/2007: The lines from 25 February were only 3 hours old when we again
had something special under water. Because of a too strong current in the channel
we dived on Dhigurah Etere. Already during the dive we could hear dolphins but
did not see them. After the dive the boat crew brought us to the dolphins which
were jumping out of the water and playing. We tried our luck and jumped with
snorkelling gear in the water and were rewarded: Up to 10 dolphins together
were swimming together on the top reef and we could swim with them for 10 minutes!!!
That was really big luck because normally the dolphins here disappear as soon
as one has jumped into the water.
25/Feb/2007: It's almost getting too much writing these news as there is
so much going on under water at the moment!!! Today we went on a 2 tank dive
to the North. The second dive was on Noo Giri where we normally find small animals.
Today there was apart from the small things a huge nurse shark lying in one
of the overhangs. After long discussions and most different size estimations
we agreed on a approx. 3 meter (9 feet) big shark :-)
24/Feb/2007: This morning we went again to Manta Point and had one of the
best Manta dives there. Already after 10 minutes dive time the first manta ray
came along on one of the cleaning stations and stayed for a long time. Shortly
after that two more manta rays showed up, let themselves being cleaned and came
really close to the divers. We could enjoy for 40 minutes the beautiful manta
rays while there was almost no current.
And in the evening we had another surprise. One big and five smaller eagle rays
were swimming in formation totally relaxed in our lagoon. We are sure these
were the two eagle rays from 20. February 2007 who invited their friends for
a happy hour cocktail…
23/Feb/2007: Finally!!! On today's full day trip to Manta Point and to the
outreef we were very lucky again. On the first dive we saw a manta ray on Manta
Point, but we were more stunned about the encounter with a whale shark at Holiday
Island Beru on our second dive!!! As we haven't seen a whale shark for a long
time we were really surprised when this 4 meter (12 feet) tall whale shark came
along. After the whale shark encounter we could even find a leopard shark lying
in the reef. In the evening it was very easy to recognize the divers from the
full day trip…they were the ones with big grins on their faces!
22/Feb/2007: Today we enjoyed a spectacular night dive on Coral Garden:
First we found two turtles, then one cuttle fish, after that one black spotted
ray and last but not least a nurse shark lying in an overhang. When you consider
that we are normally spotting for small things during night diving, this was
really a unusual and very exciting one.
21/Feb/2007: Ravioli is back!!! Today we've been to Manta Point and after
almost one year (first encounter was on 23 March 2006) we could see the manta
ray named Ravioli for the first time again. There is still a piece missing on
his left fin and he is still "well stuffed". It seems that Ravioli
was not pregnant last year but that he is only a well fed manta ray. Besides
Ravioli there were also some other manta rays to see. At the moment we go to
Manta Point on a regular basis where we meanwhile mostly see manta rays.
20/Feb/2007: Already for two days a baby eagle ray visited us on the house
reef and watched us diving. This evening we had even two eagle rays swimming
in the lagoon in front of the bar…most probably they were looking for some
sunset cocktails :-)
11/Feb/2007: Today beautiful showed itself from it's best. Because we could
not only see many whitetip reef sharks at Vakarufalhi Beru Thila but also a
grey reef shark.
04/Feb/2007: We have been a lot of times at Manta Point in the last few
days and saw always some manta rays there. Today unfortunately only one manta
ray showed up but for that we could enjoy for the longest time a leopard shark
(zebra shark) lying in the reef having a little snooze.
03/Feb/2007: Already two days ago we had a big group of barracudas around
us during the safety stop at Thinefushi Etere Thila. Today we could enjoy the
barracudas directly by the reef and a couple of minutes later even a grey reef
shark showed up for a short time.
25/Jan/2007: And again a surprise: On today's morning dive we found on Noo
Giri a young leopard shark (zebra shark) lying in the sand. It was "just"
about 1,20 meter (4 feet) tall. As we don't see often leopard sharks in the
area we were even more surprised and happy about that.
24/Jan/2007: On our day trip to Manta point we once again had manta ray
luck. It seemed until almost the last minute that that it would be no success
but then a manta ray came along, did some loopings in front of us and left again…just
as if we have ordered it!!!
23/Jan/2007: Sad story: Guests came to the dive centre because they saw
something swimming on the surface and were not sure if it was a turtle or something
else. So we went with snorkelling equipment to the house reef and could see
already a turtle and small plastic swimmers around her. After some meters snorkelling
we reached the animal and saw that the poor thing was caught in a fishing net.
The net with the turtle must have drifted to our house reef where the net got
stuck in the corals. Fortunately we could rescue the turtle out of the net.
First she was trying to defend herself but must have realised that we wanted
to help her and was then calm. If she survived we don't know as the arms and
legs were badly injured by the net. This was so sad that even thinking of it
could make us cry. And all this happened just because a lost fishing net was
drifting in the sea (as it happens unfortunately all the time everywhere). Once
again we agree that we have decided already a long time ago the only right thing:
Not to eat any more fish at all!
19/Jan/2007: Surprise on the house reef! This morning there were a couple
of divers and snorklers in the calm water when suddenly a big shadow came along:
A 5 meter (15 feet) long whale shark was swimming along the house reef. During
the whole day it was easy to recognize who the lucky ones were…it was impossible
to get the smile out of their faces :-)
04/Jan/2007: From middle of October 2006 until the end of the year we were
back in Switzerland because we wanted to have a break from the island life.
The plan was to stay for a while in Switzerland, find a job and find out if
we can get used to the everyday life here again. But as plans are here to be
knocked on the head everything came different. So we are already on Vakarufalhi
in the Maldives again since the beginning of January 2007 and have postponed
our "Project Switzerland" to a later date! |
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