43 year old Turkish diver Cem Karabay, hopes to set new record in TRNC waters

A Turkish diver is hoping to make a splash by setting a new world record in TRNC waters.

Cem Karabay, 43, is on the hunt for sponsors to fund an attempt to carry out the longest ever open saltwater scuba dive.

He plans to smash the current record of 51 hours and 4 minutes, set by American Allen Sherrod last September in Florida, USA, by spending 72 hours underwater off the coast of the Yavuz Landing Beach in Alsancak.

Mr Karabay already holds the world record for the longest scuba dive in a controlled environment. He spent an incredible 192 hours 19 minutes and 19 seconds submerged in a specially made indoor pool in Istanbul in October 2011.

The attempt ended with him rising to the surface on the 29th – in time to celebrate Turkey’s republic holiday and beating his own previous benchmark by two days in the process.

For his latest record bid, Mr Karabay plans to take the plunge on July 17, coming up for air 3 days later to coincide with Peace and Freedom Day.

A confident Mr Karabay told Cyprus Today ”I am happy and excited to be attempting this record in the TRNC, which I am 100 per cent sure I will break.”

”Once approved, Guinness World Records have agreed to send us an adjudicator, and I will be accompanied by 30 people from my own support team”.

The diver said he has been preparing for the dive – which is to be broadcast live around the clock – by practising underwater eating and keeping physically and mentally fit.

TRNC Foreign Affairs Minister Ozdil Nami, who met with Mr Karabay earlier this year, pledged his support for the event.

”Mr Karabay’s record attempt will contribute to the promotion of the TRNC around the world, especially if it turns out to be successful,” he said.

Mr Karabay said he had received the equivalent of 12,000 euros from the government, but needed a further 38,000 euros to realise the record bid. However, he said the event could generate ”millions” of euros in extra tourism income.

By Yasemin Gulpinar for Cyprus Today