Egyptian diver Ahmed Gabr has set an official scuba diving world depth record, descending to just over 332m off Dahab, Egypt. The dive, which took a total of 14 hours, required an exceptionally precise plan for both descent and decompression to ensure Gabr’s safety.
Record-Breaking Descent
Ahmed Gabr reached his maximum depth of 332.35m within approximately 15 minutes. Following this rapid descent, a meticulously calculated slow ascent with extensive decompression stops allowed him to safely return to the surface without injury.
This dive surpassed the previous official record of 318.25m, set by South African Nuno Gomez in 2005, also off Dahab. French diver Pascal Bernabe had claimed a dive to 330m in 2005 off Propriano, Corsica, but this depth was not independently verified.
Official Verification
A Guinness World Records adjudicator witnessed Gabr’s dive firsthand. The diver’s preset tag, positioned at 335m, confirmed the depth after accounting for a marginal bend in the line and his dive computer data. Gabr’s achievement will appear in the next annual edition of Guinness World Records.
Years of Preparation and Team Support
Gabr’s record-breaking dive was the result of several years of preparation, including extensive training dives and the formation of a highly skilled support team. His mixed-gas dive plan and decompression schedule were carefully designed with assistance from deep support divers Sam Helmy and Briton Jaime Brown of H2O Divers Dahab.
The dive highlights not only Gabr’s skill and endurance but also the importance of planning, teamwork, and safety in extreme technical diving.
Legacy and Recognition
Ahmed Gabr’s record-setting dive has established a new benchmark in the sport of scuba diving and is a historic milestone for Egyptian divers. His achievement highlights the extreme skill, training, and dedication required for technical deep diving and serves as an inspiration for divers worldwide.
FAQs
What is the current official scuba diving world depth record?
Egyptian diver Ahmed Gabr holds the record at 332.35m, achieved off Dahab, Egypt.
How long did Ahmed Gabr’s record-breaking dive take?
The total dive took approximately 14 hours, including descent, decompression, and ascent.
Who were the support divers for Ahmed Gabr’s dive?
Sam Helmy and Briton Jaime Brown of H2O Divers Dahab helped plan and support the dive.
Has anyone else attempted similar deep dives?
Yes, South African Nuno Gomez reached 318.25m in 2005, and Pascal Bernabe claimed 330m in 2005, though not independently verified.
How is a world record dive verified?
A Guinness World Records adjudicator witnesses the dive, and depth is confirmed using preset tags and dive computer logs.
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