For Frank & those into freediving...

[fantasea]

Frank,

He's a small amount of industry news to add to the event. It doesn't offer any real answers, but thought we'd pass it along for you. If we get any further updates and you'd like them, we can post them for you.

Statement from the International Association of Free Divers

LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic (Oct. 12, 2002) – The International Association of Free Divers (IAFD) deeply mourns the passing of freediver Audrey Mestre, 28, who died in a freediving accident today 2-1/2 miles off the southeast
coast of the Dominican Republic. Mestre was attempting to officially break the world freediving record with a dive of 557.7 feet (170 m), a depth she achieved unofficially during a practice dive three days before.

The cause of the accident remains unknown at this time. Mestre is survived by her husband, freediver Francisco “Pipin” Ferreras of Miami.

Mestre was attempting to break the record in the “No Limits” category which involves riding a weighted sled down the length of a vinyl-coated stainless steel cable.

“Audrey was a true pioneer who was extending our understanding of human performance at extreme depths,” says IAFD president Carlos Serra. “We’re all in shock and extend our deepest sympathies to Pipin and Audrey’s parents,
Jean Pierre and Ann Marie Mestre.”