Dahab’s ‘blue hole’ is an underwater sinkhole, almost 110 metres deep, just a few steps from the coast and with a shallow opening of around 6 metres deep known as ‘the saddle’ that opens to the sea. In recent years and due to several accidents, it has become known as the divers’ cemetery.
But nothing could be further from the truth. The ‘blue hole’ itself is no more dangerous than any other diving spot in the Red Sea, but diving through ‘the Arch’, a submerged tunnel found inside the Blue Hole, is a complex dive that has caused several accidents and deaths. We explain why.
The Arch
‘The Arch’ is located on the wall of the hole, at a depth of 56 metres, which connects the hole to the open sea. This tunnel is approximately 25 metres in diameter and extends for 30 metres in length to connect to the open sea.
This dive is outside the depth limits for recreational diving (40 metres), so it can only be done in a technical diving profile. As the depth increases, the pressure of the gases we are breathing from our tank increases, which brings with it many essential safety considerations to take into account. All this preparation can be obtained through technical diving courses.
There have been many accidents involving divers attempting this dive with a single tank of air, so please always dive within the established limits.
This arch also recently gained a lot of popularity due to the Netflix documentary ‘The deepest breath’, a film that revolves around freediving and the ambition to cross this arch. Natalia Molchanova and William Trubridge are two of the freedivers who have managed to cross this arch in a single breath, with a monofin (CWT) and without fins (CNF), respectively.
The depth
At this point, it is hardly necessary to mention that most accidents inside the Blue Hole occur due to human error. Only a small percentage are attributed to natural causes.
commemorative plaques of some of those who died in the Blue Hole
One famous incident involves Yuri Lipski, an Israeli-Russian diving instructor, who died just over a hundred meters underwater. When Lipski’s body was recovered, the camera Yuri was wearing in his helmet was found still intact.
The video opens the door to the possibility that Yuri went down to the deepest part of the ‘blue hole’ alone and voluntarily. At this depth, the body is subject to nitrogen narcosis which leads to overconfidence, euphoria, hallucinations, confusion and impaired judgment. Also, due to the increased pressure that depth causes in the compressed air contained in the tank, the oxygen in the mixture becomes toxic.
The depth limits set in technical and recreational diving have a reason and should not be crossed without the necessary knowledge. Overconfidence can get you into situations you don’t want to be in.
Even though the ‘blue hole’ in Dahab is perceived as extremely dangerous, we assure you that this is not the case. It is a super special place and a must-see on your trip to Dahab.