Malé, 16.5.2026 — Vaavun atollilla (Malediivit) Dhekunu Kandun vesillä on tapahtunut traaginen onnettomuus, jossa on menehtynyt viisi sukeltajaa. DAN Europe on kutsunut apuun kansainvälisen työryhmän, johon kuuluu tekniikkasukeltamisen, luolasukeltamisen ja ahtaissa ympäristöissä toteutettavien erikoisoperaatioiden huippuammattilaisia. Työryhmän tavoitteena on tukea käynnissä olevia vaativia etsintä- ja pelastustoimia.
DAN on aina seissyt kansainvälisen sukeltajayhteisön rinnalla, myös Malediiveilla, tarjoamalla lääkinnällistä apua, hätätilannekoordinaatiota ja operatiivista tukea sukellusonnettomuuksien yhteydessä. Tässä hengessä DAN on päättänyt antaa resurssejaan, asiantuntemustaan ja erikoistunutta henkilöstöään käynnissä olevan operaation tueksi.
DANin kokoama ryhmä koostuu sukeltajista, joilla on kansainvälistä kokemusta erittäin vaativista pelastustehtävistä — mukaan lukien toiminnasta syvissä luolajärjestelmissä, ahtaissa tiloissa ja korkean riskin olosuhteissa. He ovat osallistuneet joihinkin viime vuosien haastavimpiin vedenalaisiin pelastusoperaatioihin.
DANin työryhmä toimii yhteistyössä Malediivien kansallisen Puolustusvoimien kanssa, joka johtaa paikallista operaatiota, sekä on jatkuvassa yhteydessä Italian ulkoasiain- ja kansainvälisen yhteistyön ministeriöön, Italian suurlähetystöön ja Italian konsulaattiin Maléssa, sillä kaikki uhrit olivat Italian kansalaisia.
Onnettomuuspaikka on operatiivisesti erittäin haastava: luolan sisäänkäynti sijaitsee 55–60 metrin syvyydessä, ja vedenalainen järjestelmä ulottuu satojen metrien matkalle useiden kammioidensa ja sisäkäytäviensä kautta. Uhrit saattavat sijaita vaikeapääsyisillä alueilla, mikä edellyttää äärimmäisen huolellista suunnittelua jokaisen toimintavaiheen osalta. Malediivien viranomaiset ovat kuvailleet operaatiota korkean riskin tehtäväksi.
"Näinä hetkinä kaikki muut näkökohdat väistyvät inhimillisyyden ja yhteisöllisyyden tieltä. Ennen kuin olemme lääkäreitä, tutkijoita tai hätätilanteen asiantuntijoita, olemme sukeltajia auttamassa toisia sukeltajia. Tämä tragedia koskettaa syvästi koko kansainvälistä sukeltajayhteisöä, jonka osana olemme, ja teemme kaiken voitavamme tukeaksemme käynnissä olevaa operaatiota. Olen syvästi kiitollinen kansainvälisille etsintä- ja pelastusasiantuntijoille, jotka olemme kutsuneet mukaan ja jotka olivat valmiita lähtemään välittömästi pyyntömme saatuaan. Samaan aikaan työskentelemme saadaksemme paikan päälle erikoiskaluston, joka tarvitaan tätä erittäin vaativaa operaatiota varten. Haluamme myös kiittää Italian konsulaatin ja suurlähetystön edustajia heidän arvokkaasta avustaan logistiikan koordinoinnissa." — Laura Marroni, toimitusjohtaja, DAN Europe
Operaatio on saanut entistä dramaattisemman käänteen pelastustöihin osallistuneen Malediivien laivaston jäsenen menehtymisen myötä. DAN esittää syvimmät osanottonsa hänen perheelleen, työtovereilleen ja paikallisviranomaisille. Tämä traaginen käänne vahvisti jälleen operaation äärimmäisen vaativuuden ja erittäin erikoistuneen tuen merkityksen.
"Olemme yhteydessä Malediivien lääkintätiimiin tukeaksemme käynnissä olevaan pelastusoperaatioon liittyvien mahdollisten hätätilanteiden hoitamista. Monimutkaisissa sukellustilanteissa, erityisesti syrjäisillä saarilla, kliininen hoito voi muodostua haastavaksi, etenkin kun tarvitaan edistynyttä tehohoitoa ja kiireellistä ylipainehoitoa. Siksi asiantunteva suunnittelu on välttämätöntä sekä operatiivisesta että lääketieteellisestä näkökulmasta."
— Dr. Chiara Ferri, lääketieteellinen johtaja, DAN Europe
DAN Europesta
DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe) on kansainvälinen voittoa tavoittelematon lääketieteellinen ja tutkimusorganisaatio, joka on omistautunut sukeltajien terveyden ja turvallisuuden edistämiselle. Vuodesta 1983 lähtien se on tarjonnut lääkinnällistä apua, tieteellistä tutkimusta, koulutusta ja innovatiivisia turvallisuusaloitteita maailmanlaajuiselle sukeltajayhteisölle. DAN Europe on myös ympäristövastuun ja vastuullisen sukeltamisen puolestapuhuja.
DAN Europe Foundation | PR & Media
Background: Despite evolution in decompression algorithms, decompression illness is still an issue. Reducing vascular gas emboli (VGE) production by varying decompression procedures is very common among divers. Several methods have been tried, either mechanical, cardiovascular, desaturation-aimed or biochemical, with encouraging results. In this study, we tested two different decompression methods: one called DEEP, where the decompression starts deeper, the other one SHALLOW, where shallower stops were planned, for the same dive and decompression time.
Lue lisääThe human body implements several adaptive mechanisms to perform in extreme environments. Increasingly, individuals return to such conditions after pulmonary infections, raising concerns about potential long-term respiratory consequences.
Lue lisääTraumatic brain injury (TBI) and subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) are critical neurological conditions that necessitate specialized care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
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Uniting Divers, Ensuring Safety
Embark on a series of events across Europe, from winter through summer 2025. Aimed at fostering community bonds, these events bring together our diving community.
DAN Members enjoy exclusive access to specialised medical consultations, while contributing to citizen science by sharing valuable data.
Hosted at select diving centers affiliated with DAN, this series boast participation by DAN Diving Medical Doctors, researchers, and local representatives.
Diving safety on the spotlight, to promote a stronger, more informed community.
The events list is constantly updated. Check out the locations and dates nearest to you, and join us!
- Diving experience days, Lake Goitzsche - Germany, 15-17 May 2026
- Eco Festival Primošten, Primošten - Croatia, 6-7 June 2026
- ProDiving Summer Fest, Bracciano - Italy, 21 June 2026
- Rebreather Reunion, Hamburg - Germany, 3-5 July 2026
- Wetnotes Anniversary celebration, Hemmoor - Germany, 4-6 September 2026
- XVIII DAN Divers Day, Geneva - Switzerland, 16 September 2026
- Diving Event Alpen Tekkis, Achensee - Austria, 17-18 October 2026
- D-E-E-P Hünenberg - Switzerland, 24 October 2026
Mental health is one of the major public health challenges facing young Europeans today. Anxiety, chronic stress, sleep disorders, and social isolation are increasingly affecting the 18–29 age group, calling for new, evidence-based approaches that promote resilience, inclusion, and healthier lifestyles.
One Health Underwater: Youth Well-being through Diving is an Erasmus+ project led by FFESSM, in collaboration with DAN Europe and HE2B, exploring the potential of scuba diving as a tool to support young people’s mental well-being.
By combining scientific research, sport, environmental awareness, and social inclusion, the project investigates how the unique characteristics of diving (moderate physical activity, controlled breathing, focused attention, immersion in nature, and social connection) may contribute to psychological well-being and emotional resilience.
From hypothesis to data
Between November 2025 and April 2026, the project launched an international survey available in 6 languages, designed to better understand the relationship between diving habits, lifestyle, and mental well-being among young adults.
The survey collected responses from 1,669 divers aged 18–29, making it one of the most comprehensive datasets ever gathered in this field. Built around validated scientific assessment tools, the questionnaire explored psychological well-being, mood, lifestyle, motivation, and diving behaviours across a diverse European population.
First results: a positive signal
The first consolidated analyses reveal a consistent pattern of high mental well-being among participants.
Key findings include:
- Average WEMWBS mental well-being scores above 55/70
- More than 80% of participants regularly reporting feeling calm, optimistic, focused, and mentally active
- 93% considering diving an important part of their lives
- More than half diving at least once per month
Mood-profile analysis also showed a predominance of positive emotional states such as calmness, attentiveness, energy, and relaxation, while indicators associated with tension or irritability remained comparatively low.
While these findings do not establish causality, they provide encouraging evidence supporting the hypothesis that regular diving may positively contribute to mental well-being.
“Diving creates a unique combination of physiological regulation, focused attention, and social interaction that deserves scientific investigation.”
— Prof. Costantino Balestra, DAN Europe“When practiced under the right conditions, diving can contribute to mental well-being by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, helping the body relax, recover, and restore balance.”
— Dr. Frédéric Di Meglio, President of FFESSM
The next phase: from survey to field research
Following this first research phase, One Health Underwater will move into an experimental stage during summer 2026. A dedicated youth diving camp in France will allow researchers to monitor participants longitudinally through repeated psychological assessments and biological markers, including salivary biomarker analysis.
This next phase aims to better understand how regular diving may influence: stress regulation, emotional resilience, self-confidence, social connectedness, long-term psychological well-being.
Looking ahead
The long-term ambition of One Health Underwater is to generate robust scientific evidence that may support the integration of diving into future health, education, sport, and social inclusion programmes across Europe.
By connecting human health, environmental awareness, and active lifestyles, the project seeks to position diving not only as a sport, but as a potential tool for well-being, resilience, and positive social impact.
Where | Diving Center Pongo, Primošten, Croatia
When | 6-7 June 2026
Info & Registration | [email protected]
The Primošten ECO Festival is a two-day event dedicated to marine conservation, diving safety, and community engagement, combining underwater clean-up actions, educational workshops, and diving activities.
Participants will take part in hands-on initiatives including coordinated underwater clean-ups, educational sessions on ocean health, and opportunities to test diving equipment and connect with experts and fellow divers.
DAN Europe will attend the festival as Safety Partner.
During the event, Guy Thomas, Director of Safety Programs, will present “8 Uncommon or Understated Diving Safety Problems”, part of DAN Europe’s latest safety campaign.
The session will focus on often overlooked risks in diving, helping participants strengthen awareness and adopt safer practices.
For participation and additional information, contact:
Diving Center Pongo
[email protected]
JÄSENEKSI
Jäsenyytesi ansiosta tuet tärkeitä tutkimus- ja turvallisuusaloitteita suoraan.
SUKELLUSPROFIILISI
Kirjaudu sisään Diver Safety Guardian -lokikirjaan ja aloita sukellustesi jakaminen.
Osallistu tutkimustapahtumaan ja tapaa samanhenkisiä sukeltajia esittäen kysymyksiä ja antaen oman panoksesi tutkimukseen.
Where | Lisbon, Portugal
When | 23-25 October 2026
Info & Registration | https://www.divingtalks.com/tickets/
DAN Europe is proud to attend DIVING Talks as official Diving Safety Partner of the event.
The International Diving Show takes place this coming October 23-25 in picturesque Lisbon, Portugal.
A unique speaker lineup await participants, for what promises to be one of the most interesting live events of the year. Some of the world's best divers and explorers will meet to share recent exploration achievements, tech advancements, discoveries, and much more.
Highlights include:
- Inspiring talks throughout the weekend, including DAN Europe’s CEO Laura Marroni.
- DAN Info Point active throughout the event
- Daily updates on DAN social media, and a final report on Alert Diver
DAN Members get a special 10% discount on their tickets.
To get the code, drop us an e-mail at [email protected]
DAN Europe supports the Bühlmann Decompression 02, a Swiss Made mechanical dive watch that reflects the scientific legacy of Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann. Created with features inspired by decompression research, the project aligns with DAN Europe’s mission to advance dive safety through science and education. A portion of proceeds contributes to DAN Europe’s Medical Research Fund.
A Watch That Carries a Mission
The Bühlmann Decompression 02 is a mechanical dive watch embodying the legacy of Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann and the science that transformed diving safety. DAN Europe endorses the Bühlman Watches project for its alignment with the organisation’s mission: advancing dive safety through research, education, and innovation. While not involved in the watch’s technical development, DAN Europe recognises it as a meaningful tribute to decompression science and a tool promoting awareness.
Mechanical Intelligence, Built for Depth
The Bühlmann Decompression 02 is engineered for clarity, reliability, and underwater performance:
- Water-resistant to 575 meters, echoing Prof. Bühlmann’s record dive
- Patented ZH-L16B decompression calculator integrated into the dial
- Twin Safety Bezel™ for timing decompression stops and total dive time
- 5° inclined case for optimal legibility during immersion
- Fly-no Fly indicator, manually set after each dive
- XXL minute hand, designed for precise decompression timing
Every feature reflects a deep understanding of dive physiology and real-world usability.
Supporting DAN Europe's Scientific Mission
A portion of each Bühlmann Decompression 02 sale will support DAN Europe’s Medical Research Fund, including the Quest for the Perfect Algorithm, a next-generation decompression model that accounts for individual variability. This contribution helps sustain DAN Europe’s work in diving medicine and supports the development of safer, more personalised dive strategies.
A Legacy of Scientific Partnership
The Bühlmann Decompression 02 also honours the landmark collaboration between two leading figures in diving medicine: Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann and Prof. Alessandro Marroni, founder of DAN Europe. Their respective works in the 1980s and following decades helped shape the principles of modern decompression safety. Today, DAN Europe continues that journey, transforming legacy into leadership.
A Limited Edition for DAN Members
To mark this shared commitment, a special edition of the Bühlmann Decompression 02 will be customised exclusively for DAN Europe members. This version will feature a custom dial with the DAN logo, symbolising the connection between scientific legacy and the engagement with the diving community. Starting December 4th 2025, DAN Europe members will have access to this customised model under privileged conditions, making it both a precision instrument and a personal statement of affiliation.
A Symbol of Shared Values
The partnership between DAN Europe and Bühlmann Watches represents a shared commitment to advancing dive safety through science and legacy. At its core is a mutual belief in the power of research to save lives and in the importance of honouring the pioneers who laid the groundwork.
The Bühlmann Decompression 02 is more than just a watch. It is a symbol of shared values: precision, prevention and progress, transforming every dive into an act of awareness, safety and scientific continuity.
About Albert Bühlmann
Prof. Albert A. Bühlmann (1923–1994) was a Swiss physician and researcher whose groundbreaking work in decompression theory revolutionised diving safety worldwide. As head of the Department of Hyperbaric Physiology at the University Hospital of Zürich, he developed the ZH-L16 algorithm, still used today in most dive computers and tables. His meticulous research defined how inert gases behave under pressure, helping divers to refine their decompression strategies.
MPA4Change -projekti on Interreg Euro-MED -aloite, jonka tavoitteena on edistää mertensuojelualueiden (MPAs) roolia ja merien ennallistamista, niin että ne toimivat luonnonmukaisina ratkaisuina ilmastonmuutokseen sopeutumisessa ja sen lieventämisessä.
Aloitteen perimmäisenä tavoitteena on nostaa Välimeren rannikkoalueiden sietokykyä. Tällä tavoin halutaan tukea merellisten ekosysteemien kestävää käyttöä ja ympäristön hyvinvointia.
Verkkosivut: https://mpa4change.interreg-euro-med.eu/
Background: Recreational diving creates risk for decompression sickness (DCS), which can occur in SCUBA diving even if current decompression algorithms are respected. The aim of this study was to identify the primary risk factors for decompression sickness in real-world regular recreational diving.
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