We at Shark Diving International wish to express our sincere and deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Groh and everyone else who has been affected by this tragic accident. We all feel an enormous sympathy for Markus Groh's family and friends.

A Statement from Shark Savers
The recent death of Markus Groh is truly an unfortunate tragedy. We are both saddened and shocked by this, the first fatality ever caused by a shark bite during an organized shark dive. Our hearts go out to his loved ones.
We represent a cross-section of divers, conservationists, shark enthusiasts, scientists, and professional photographers and filmmakers who strongly support conscientious and responsible cageless shark diving operations including Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures in the Bahamas. Such operators have allowed tens of thousands of divers to safely go beyond the constraints of cages and experience compelling shark interactions.

Many of us have spent time in the water with these predators and know firsthand that the risk of injury, let alone death, while diving with sharks is incredibly low. The fact that we are discussing the first fatality in commercially organized shark diving after decades of such a practice is a testament to that. In comparison, more common leisure activities such as biking, swimming and boating result in significant numbers of injuries and fatalities each year. The relatively low risk posed by diving with sharks is far outweighed by the reward: enabling people to develop a healthy respect and passion for a majestic yet misunderstood animal that is critical to the health of our planet.

The Bahamas represents one of a handful of remaining places in the world where people can still go to experience the magnificence of the large, charismatic sharks including tigers, bulls, and hammerheads. That means that the Bahamas is a beneficiary of an eco-tourism niche that is valued by an unusually passionate and committed customer- shark divers. This is a credit to the Bahamian government's commendable stance on protecting sharks at a time when a growing number of shark species are approaching extinction, with over 100 million sharks killed each year.

Through Jim Abernethy, many of us have developed a strong respect and affection for the sharks of the Bahamas. For many members of the professional underwater photography and filmmaking community, as well as thousands of recreational divers, Jim Abernethy has served as an ambassador for the appreciation and protection of the sharks of the Bahamas. Most of these divers would never have experienced the sharks of the Bahamas if it were not for Jim. The powerful and beautiful photographs and films produced from these expeditions would never have been viewed by countless others. These images would not have served as motivation to others to visit the Bahamas.

We urge The Bahamas Diving Association to preserve current shark diving policies and resist overreaction to this horrible, but isolated, tragedy. You have a unique opportunity to stand in support of responsible shark diving operations and mitigate the negative repercussions of this event. To do otherwise would only reinforce the public's stereotypes towards sharks and create additional barriers to save endangered shark species that are vital to our ecosystem. It would negatively impact the very operators, such as Jim Abernethy, who have developed and championed responsible diving practices. And it would drive the divers away who will then seek other locations that both protect sharks and enable people to experience them.

The Bahamas Diving Association is in a powerful position to take a strong stance in uniting the world around a more enlightened view of sharks. In doing so, the Bahamas can set a powerful example and serve as a leader in protecting our oceans.

Ready to escape the cold and enjoy a nice tropical adventure? Join us for Shark Diving in Paradise 2008. This tropical shark adventure has it all:

BIG sharks, friendly people, luxurious resort, and some of the best scuba diving in the world! You can see as many as 8 different shark species on just one dive! Not only is this a fantastic shark diving experience, it is also a huge cultural experience. Non-diving activities include nightly entertainment such as fire walking and kava ceremonies, warrior dances and native music performances.

The Beqa Lagoon resort is located close to Fijian villages; we can arrange visits with local guides. Beqa Lagoon Resort private villas (called bures) are large and luxurious. Tucked in the coconut trees, just a few meters back from the beach, each bure is elegantly furnished with rattan and bamboo and decorated with colorful splashes of fabric and works of art. Every beach-front bure has its own spacious courtyard with a plunge pool and bamboo fence to ensure your privacy.

Join us for an incredible adventure to Cocos and Malpelo islands on the newly refitted Argos. The Undersea Hunter fleet's latest addition.

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The R/V Argos will begin operations in early 2008. This vessel is currently undergoing complete renovation and modernization. The Argos will be the new submarine support vessel in the Undersea Hunter fleet. The Argos will not only have all new cabins, but will also have brand new galley and salon areas. The Undersea Hunter fleet is known for its classy and roomy accommodations and the Argos will be no exception.

13 NIGHTS/14 DAYS OF AMAZING SHARK DIVING ADVENTURE
May 24th to June 6th

Enjoy some of the best shark diving in the world at Cocos and Malpelo. These islands are famous for the incredible shark populations. You will see large schools of hammerhead sharks. You can turn up the adrenaline with amazing night dives featuring hunting whitetip reef sharks. You may encounter whale sharks too!

The Argos will be fitted to carry the submersible DEEPSEE.

We are looking forward to seeing all of our East Coast shark fans at the up coming Beneath the Sea show at the Meadow lands in New Jersey March 28,29, 30. Booth#522

Stop by to meet the Team and check out some our latest HD footage from our trips around the world!