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103m - CAVE Ras Mamlakh
06.03.2007
On February 14 th, 2006, Andrey Chistyakov, Russia (TDI Instructor) and Martin Chochorovskiy, Poland ("Chochor") (IANTD Instructor) have successfully completed a dive to
Ras
Mamlakh
Cave . The diving objectives were to explore deep water part of the cave and to reach the bottom. During exploration the possible lateral exit was discovered at about 37- 39 meters, the bottom was reached – 103 meters and a new corridor was found (a turn to the left at the depth of more than 100 meters - further penetration was not completed). Decompression was conducted using VR3 computers; navigation down to 55 meters was done by using old guiding ropes + 2 bobbins (about 120 meters). Total diving time was 122 minutes; Chochor reached 100 meters depth, Andrey Chistyakov - 103 meters. Configuration of equipment and mixtures:
Andrey Chistyakov:
1. Bottom mixture - Tx11/53 - steel twin cylinder 2 by 15 - 210 bars - 100 bars remained
2. Travel gas - Tx26/32 - aluminum stage 12 lt - 200 bars - 100 bars remained
3. Decompression gas 1 - EAN50 - aluminum stage 12 lt - 200 bars - 90 bars remained
4. Decompression gas 2 - EAN80 - aluminum stage 12 lt - 190 bars - 100 bars remained
5. Decompression gas 3 - oxygen - aluminum stage 12 lt - 120 bars - completely used up on the surface
Light - 4 lamps on the helmet and 2 identical light-emitting diode lamps (one spare)
Martin Chochorovskiy ("Chochor")
1. Bottom mixture - Tx11/53 – aluminum twin cylinder 2 by 12 - 210 bars - 50 bars remained
2. Travel gas - Tx26/32 - aluminum stage 12 lt - 200 bars - 90 bars remained
3. Decompression gas 1 - EAN50 - aluminum stage 12 lt – 200 bars – 90 bars remained
4. Decompression gas 2 - EAN80 - aluminum stage 12 lt - 190 bars - 100 bars remained
5. Decompression gas 3 - oxygen - aluminum stage 12 lt - 120 bars – completely used up on the surface
Light - two light-emitting diode lamps on the mask straps and two remote heads (one canister - on the twin cylinder, the second – on the tank, it is a spare light).
Photos:
Andrey Chistyakov - head light test before diving.
We entered the water with twin cylinders, then Akhmed handed the stages in the water, we took along Tx26/32 and EAN 50; EAN 80 and oxygen were left at the cave entrance, in the canyon.
In the cave
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Coming out from the water after 2-hours dive to the cave (left to right) – Akhmed, assistant and permanent driver, Andrey Chistyakov, Martin Khokhorovskiy.
Dive is successfully completed - Marchin Chochorovskiy (on the left) and Andrey Chistyakov
Readings of Andrey Chistyakov’s VR3 computer
In conclusion, I would like to say something. Guys, the cave Ras Mamlakh is a really dangerous place, and diving here, especially in the deep water, is very risk-driving. Be extremely careful, investigate the cave gradually, step by step. By no means can you go without a guiding rope and a good lightning. Diving with one tank and without special training in this place – it is a suicide. Ras Mamlakh took away more than one life; the majority of dive-operators even reject to organize dives in this place.
However, generally, it is very beautiful and peaceful here...
And also, for your information. There are two roads going to Ras Mamlakh – one comes via Nuweiba and then back – along the coast, the second one – through the desert in area of Ras Abu Galum. If you go via Nuweiba, you will see several check points on the way. You need to have a passport and a diving license. It is easier to go through Ras Abu Galum, but the road is worse...
Small video clip about the cave (I have the complete video file) – shooting by Piotr Paszek and Zbigniew Stychno – download file (1.5 minute, 3Mb) Complete photo album about Ras Mamlakh dive - here. Photos: Nikolai Yablokov, Piotr Paszek and Zbigniew Stychno (underwater).
Special thanks to Zbignew Stychno (IANTD Instructor Trainer).
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