One of the most popular day trips in Malapascua is to visit the wreck of the Dona Marilyn. A large passenger/cargo vessel which sank in 1988, this shipwreck is covered with colorful marine life, and surrounded by fish.
However this week an intrepid group of explorers were going further and penetrating deep inside the wreckage as part of their Advanced Wreck Training.
Damien Kruger, Spike Hughes, and Anna cu Unjieng spent the first day of the class learning the theory of technical wreck diving. They practiced land drills for laying guidelines and for exiting the wreck unable to see, and calculated gas consumption and management strategies.
After spending the second day practicing skills in shallow water at the lighthouse wreck, the team were ready for the Dona Marilyn. Performing 6 dives over 2 days, we’re confident they broke the record for the most dives in such a short time period!
Once inside the wreck the team performed lost buddy, lost line and silt-out drills. They explored passenger areas and deep inside the engine room, as well as enjoying both forward and rear holds.
Tired but happy the team returned home with a new-found respect for wrecks, and a healthy satisfaction in what they had achieved.
Congratulations Advanced Wreck Divers!
