While holidaying in Nicaragua, PADI Rescue Diver and former paramedic Chris Skone-Roberts gave his scuba diving certification level a new meaning. Rather than having to come to the aid of a fellow scuba diver, Chris came to the aid of underwater companions of a different kind – two giant green sea turtles, tied up on the shore after being caught illegally.
In an act that caught the attention of news media throughout the world, Chris’s initiative and determination to save these beautiful marine creatures is inspirational. After marine conservationists saw the rescue of the apparent 80 year old turtles, Chris and the team were awarded with a Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Award.
“Here’s the thing. We are PADI Instructors, Divemaster Trainers, Divemasters, PADI Rescue, Advanced Open Water and Open Water Divers. We acted as a team, we acted as rescuers, we were divers doing what we do best but above water. We rocked it and saved these guys.” said Chris who came to the turtles rescue with the help from PADI Dive Centre, Dolphin Dive, Little Corn Island.
“We left them on their backs to stop them from struggling and tearing their fins apart. Once we cut the ties they went off like the clappers, it was wonderful to see.”
We congratulate Chris and everyone else who helped free these green sea turtles.
This story reminds us that it’s not just in the water where PADI Divers are taking action to protect ocean life. Fins on or off, PADI Divers are sharing knowledge, passion and determination in an effort to their bit for our ocean planet.
If you want to improve your knowledge on conservation issues but are not sure how to get started, check out Project AWARE’s 10 Tips for Divers to Protect our Ocean Planet.
To discover more about how you can get involved in ocean protection actions and campaigns, contact Project AWARE Foundation or your local PADI Dive Centre.
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