British diver aims for record

Former military and professional diver Mark Colman, from Essex, aims to set a new record by spending 5 days underwater! For a total of 120 hours after being submerged, he will remain in a tank of water. All this to help his comrades in arms.

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The whole event aims to raise £500,000 for the Veterans In Action (VIA) charity, which he says has changed his life. It will be 44-year-old Coleman’s first dive in more than a decade, when he lost a friend in a diving accident. He developed severe post-traumatic stress as a result of the incident.

It was VIA that helped him rebuild his life, after returning from the First Gulf War where the accident happened and the subsequent loss of his sister. In his own words:

“This is a big personal challenge for me. Thanks to VIA, I have been able to see the future in slightly brighter colours and put my life in order. I have received a lot of support and love, so I would like to give something of myself as well.”

Mark Colman will conduct his trial at Underwater Studios in Basildon. He intends to stay at a depth of 6m from Monday to Friday. The rules allow for a 20min break every 4h to replenish fluids and eat something. During the immersion, underwater music will be played and the diver himself, will take part in various games and physical activities.

Source: bbc.co.uk
Photo: army.mod.uk