120 Meter Depth M/V Princess of Orient Exploration Dives
June 09 – 10, 2007

The M/V Princess of the Orient was bound for Cebu City from Manila when it sank on the stormy night of Sept. 18, 1998. It is one of the worst shipping accidents in Philippine history which lead to at least 150 people’s death. The cause of the disaster remains a mystery.

Frank Doyle (PSAI CCR Trimix Level III Instructor) discovered the dive site in 2003 and John Bennett (308 Meter World Record Deep Diver); with his diving partner Ron Loos were the first persons to explore the remains of princes of Orient.

On June 09 – 10, 2007, Frank Doyle with Simon So (PSAI Trimix IT-88) leaded the PSAI Philippines Exploration Team successfully further explored the 120 meter depth M/V Princess of Orient.

On its first days, the exploration team was composed of

• Simon So, PSAI Trimix Instructor Trainer and using the Megalodon CCR
• Eric Shen, PSAI Tech Dive Instructor and the only open circuit diver
• Mike wells, PSAI CCR Trimix III Diver and using Inspiration Vision CCR.
• Frank, Terry & Colin served as Support Divers.

The first team was so lucky to make their descent on top of the wreck; three divers swam around the wreck, took a short video coverage and successfully completed their 15 minutes exploration mission to the 120 Meter Princess of Orient.

On the Second day, June 10, the expedition team was composed of:

• Simon So, using the Megalodon again to revisit the Princess.
• Frank Doyle, using the Inspiration Classic but with the new electronic
• Colin Mills, PSAI CCR Trimix III Diver and he used Inspiration Vision CCR.
• Eric, Terry & Mike as served as Support Divers

After descent to the wreck and with the information collected in the first day; the second team could swam direct to an identified entrance. Simon has fruitfully made a short penetration into the wreck with Frank and Colin Guided at outside; the team also made a video coverage.

It was a wonderful trip, but the Exploration Dives will not be so success if without the “Rags II”, A 100 feet long newly built safari dive boat equipped with GPS Plotter/Radar/Depth, Sat Phone, VHF Radio, computer control system, air compressor and gas blending equipment, operated by Frank Doyle with his 20 years experience dive crews and tech dive support team, a delightful dining/video room, plus four air-con rooms that’s good for 8 technical divers for all kinds of adventure and expedition dives

We are planning to revisit the Princess again on Sept. 05-07. Are you ready for the challenge?

For interest parties, either penetration divers, exploration divers or those who just wants to gain experience as a support divers, please contact Simon at simon@psai-philippines.com or simon@techdiveit.com

PSAI Facility in Subic Bay
December 2007, Boardwalk Dive Center is a new member of PSAI facilities

PSAI-Philippines has launched the Club 330
July 2007, the 330 Feet Depth Diver’s Club

120 Meter Depth M/V Princess of Orient Exploration Dives
June 09 – 10, 2007

PSAI Technical Wreck Instructor workshop
February 21-24, 2007,Puerto Galera with Cedric Verdier (PSAI IT-19)

Instructor Crossover Class
April 2007, 40 Fathom Grotto, Ocala, FL, USA

Female 330 Feet (100M) Deep Dive record in Puerto Galera
11:23am January 13, 2007, Sabang Bay, Puerto Galera, Philippines