On May 6th, extreme diver Frédéric Swierczynski will dive in Croatia’s Red Lake to attempt to break the world record for cave diving at -300 meters! The speleonaut from Marseille is not new to such challenges. In 2016, in the Mescla cave (Var), he already reached -267 meters. Interview with a siphon enthusiast.
Just a few days before your departure for Croatia, how are you feeling?I can’t wait to pack my suitcase and leave! The preparation never seems to end. Our three trucks are transporting all our equipment, four divers, two cameramen…You plan to dive to -300 meters in the Red Lake in Croatia. Can you describe this exceptional dive for us?To reach the lake, one must descend a 300-meter cliff and do the same on the way up after the dive! I will descend along a line to 295, 300 meters, I don’t know exactly, as the lake level varies depending on snowmelt. Up to 80 or 100 meters, I will be accompanied by a diver, then I’ll unhook. I plan to take my time in the 100, 150-meter zone, slowly descending to 200. 250 meters is my critical zone. It’s there that I’ll know if I feel well enough to continue. It’s only when I reach this deep part that I’ll move on to ceiling diving. The expedition also includes a scientific research component. During the 5 to 8 hours of immersion, I’ll collect silt samples, perhaps endemic species… these are tasks I often carry out during my dives.Tell us about your mixtures, the weight you will carry with you…I dive with a rebreather, my mixtures evolve according to my needs. I have 18 different mixtures and safety lines, with 22 twenty-liter tanks in open circuit. I will begin decompression stops at 180 meters. As for the weight of the equipment I carry with me, I think it will be about 150 kg.How and for how long have you been preparing for this dive?It’s a lifestyle choice. I quit my job as an engineer to fully dedicate myself to it. I’ve been preparing for two years, doing one dive per week at 100 meters, and one per month at 200. I also run and receive medical follow-ups in Marseille and Toulon. Each end of immersion is subject to tests and Doppler monitoring to understand the effects of pressure on my body. This record is also a team effort; my colleagues and I are honing our skills and growing together.
You collaborate notably with Sophia Antipolis and the University of Aix-Marseille…Indeed, for the scientific part related to hydrogeology. As for decompression, I collaborate with former members of Hydra of Comex, and a Toulon-based structure working in Doppler monitoring in offshore environments.
During the dive, you will use a dry bell. Can you describe the use of this equipment?The bell is adaptable, it can be submerged from 20 to 6 meters deep. It allows the entire body to leave the water during the dive. This thermal isolation allows for a gain of 10°C, which is significant since the lake’s water will be at 8°C. I will also be able to hydrate, eat, take Doppler measurements, and receive medical attention if needed.You mentioned earlier that you are unsure about the exact depth you will reach. Does this mean that this type of extreme immersion involves some improvisation?Yes, there is some tolerance, either more or less. All my equipment is adapted to a high tolerance to avoid putting myself in danger. I have a margin of around 10%. You know, I have no obligation to achieve a specific result. It’s an adventure, but I hope above all to return to my loved ones.Will you make several attempts?If all goes well, if we manage to equip the site and install the bell on time, I indeed plan to dive a first time for training.Where do you find the motivation to undertake such feats?It all starts with the curiosity of exploration, the excitement of discovering new territories… As children, we read Jules Verne, Théodore Monod, and then we follow our own path.Do you already envision your next deep dives?I have many expeditions in preparation. I approach them with great pleasure because they encompass human and scientific dimensions, travel, and discoveries, all with a great team!
Some figuresSignificant resources have been deployed to capture this historic dive:
– Underwater light power of 2,000,000 lumens to illuminate the Red Lake
– 6 HD cameras installed every 50 meters to film Frédéric’s dizzying descent
– 2 underwater operators to film the feat
– 2 4k cameras fixed on Frédéric’s scooter to capture the very first images of the lake at -300 meters
– 1 4k camera installed in the decompression bell
– 1 floating platform and electric winch with a 600 kg load
– 1 drone equipped with a 4k camera
– 1 decompression and underwater Doppler bell
Interview conducted by Jessica ENGEL
Find the interview with Frédéric Swierczynski after his dive in the Red Lake.
Cover photo © Florian Launette.