UK’s Will Goodman Breaks the Closed-Circuit Rebreather World Record for Depth
Lombok, Indonesia – On March 26th, 2014, following a year’s training and preparation, Will Goodman, a technical diving Instructor Trainer, and Guinness World Record holder for the longest scuba dive, descended to a recorded depth of 290m using an unmodified, JJ-CCR (closed-circuit rebreather). At this depth, all computers stopped registering further, but it is estimated the actual depth exceeded 300m.
Will surfaced after 9 hours and 57 minutes, asymptomatic of signs of decompression illness or dehydration, and was in high spirits. When asked of the experience at depth, he replied, ‘It was the toughest and most challenging environment I have ever been in. I reached the bottom after a 9 minute free fall in absolute darkness. All computers and depth gauges stuck at 290m, in 10 degree water and strong current. I had high narcosis due to the nitrogen levels in my breathing mix, and HPNS (whole body tremors) from the amount of helium in the mix, contributed to by the rapid descent rate. My hands started shaking and, on ascent, I wondered if I’d make it back, as I began to lose my motor function. I can’t thank the team enough for this amazing opportunity and all their hard work.’
Although not recognized as an official Guinness World Record, due to there being no category for this event, Will has been inundated with well wishes and congratulations from professionals in the diving community worldwide, confirming and accepting his claim that he has smashed the previous record of 283m set by Krzysztof Starnwski
The attempt was conducted through Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan, Indonesia, which provided full logistical and team member support. In-water team members from around the world (pictured, left to right) included: Jeff Anastas, Theresia Gollner, Frank Cella, Jan Schmid, Will Goodman, Jeffrey Glenn and Simon Liddiard. Sponsors O’Three supplied exposure protection, and Liquivision provided dive computers.
Text by: GoodWillDiving’s and Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan’s press release.
More about Will Goodman on his web page: www.goodwilldiving.com
More about Blue Marlin Dive Gili Trawangan: bluemarlindive.com
A nice blog post about the world record dive: The World in 3D
