World record for deepest dive a hoax?

Already since the beginning of the week, the first announcements regarding the publication of materials casting doubt on the world record for the deepest open-circuit dive, which was set by Egyptian Ahmed Gabr on September 18, 2014, began to appear online. It should be noted at the outset that we are not talking about baseless accusations, but an attempt at a comprehensive analysis carried out on the basis of available materials.

First, on 28 August, an article appeared Was the Deepest Dive World Record Nothing More Than an Elaborate, Pre-Planned Fake? published on thescubanews.com. The publication comprehensively analysed various aspects of the record-breaking dive and detailed the questionable elements.

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The analysis and the entire publication was signed by an unknown and unspecified group, Scuba Sam, which wishes to remain anonymous.

We are aware that some people question our credibility and the identity of Scuba Sam. However, who we are is irrelevant – all the facts we have analysed so far come from the video shot that day and used as evidence in the submission of the record. We do not spread rumours or hearsay. Unfortunately, some people are trying to identify us in order to intimidate us with threats and force us to keep quiet. However, if you are really trying to identify us for credibility reasons, there is no need. The video is now widely available; study it yourself and come to your own conclusions. We would love to hear another explanation of what it contains – signed Scuba Sam

Over the next few days, the temperature was raised by emerging information about further publicationswhich will take place. And here it should be emphasised, that this time the portal deeperblue.com and by means of its publishing house In Depththe organisation Global Underwater Explorers – GUE stood behind the matter together. All because of connecting the above mentioned person of Michael Menduno. So definitely a recognisable and well-known character, in contrast to Scuba Sam.

We are currently following the publication of Manduno for deeperblue/In Depth, and replies by Ahmed Gabrwhich has also been published on the above. So where do we stand and what is the situation with the record? Well, it’s hard to say… The issue is a delicate one, and there is quite a lot at stake on each scale. Nor is this a case where we would be faced with evidence that would conclusively and categorically state that we are dealing with fraud.

Nevertheless, the extent and depth of the analysis of the evidence shows that something is up. No one is passing judgment and we are far from doing so, if only because it is difficult to get to grips with such a large amount of material in such a short space of time after it has been made available.

The Guinness World Records office will now have a real nut to crack, as they have received the evidence along with the listed doubts, and it will be up to their representatives to make a decision. Knowing the reality, however, we should not expect it to be announced too soon, and consequently the diving world will be bustling with rumours, speculation and conjecture.

It is also worth noting here that already from the first weeks after 18 September 2014, there were voices among advanced technical divers casting doubt on Ahmed Gabr’s record dive. Of course, in the absence of solid evidence, everything remained in the realm of private reflections and discussions in a narrow circle.

How will the Guinness record for the deepest open-circuit dive end? The near future will tell us…