1η Εξερευνητική αποστολή στη Βεγορίτιδα λίμνη

Columnist: George Petrou

Photo: HUE Archive, George Vandoros & local fisherman.

Info: Wikipedia

One of the special forms of Technical Diving is lakes which have their own peculiarities such as fresh water, low temperature, altitude, marshy bottom, dark environment, etc. It is a different challenge in terms of exploration and gaining experience.

Our group consisting of myself, George Vandoros and Sofoklis Lambrou decided to explore this remote lake of our homeland. Our expedition gave us the opportunity to get to know the wider area, its inhabitants, the customs, traditions and beauties of the place as the snow-capped Kaimaktsalan (or Mount Voras) dominated above us.

Dark waters and a swampy bottom with logs and large lazy fish. It was full of Goulian as the local fishermen told us. The goulian (scientific name: Silurus glanis) is a large species of catfish that is found in central, southern and eastern Europe, and has also been introduced to western Europe. One of the two species of catfish in Europe, the other being the glani (S. aristotelis), an endemic species of the lakes of Greece. The goulian is a freshwater fish and is recognized by its broad, thick head and large mouth. It is one of the largest species of catfish and can exceed 100 kilograms in weight and 2.5 meters in length. It can live at least 50 years. A very eerie environment truly full of tree trunks and branches.

But let's look at some facts about Lake Vegoritida. Lake Vegoritida is a lake in Macedonia, and the third largest lake in terms of area in Greece (after Trichonida and Volvi). It has a supra-local character, as it administratively belongs to the prefectures of Pella and Florina and to the Municipalities of Amyntaio and Edessa. It is surrounded by the mountains of Vernos, Voras and Vermio and is the lowest point of the complex of lakes Zazaris, Heimaditida and Petron, whose waters it receives through a system of canals and tunnels. Nearby is the town of Arnissa in the Municipality of Edessa and the settlement of Agios Panteleimonas in the Municipality of Amyntaio. The lake has an area of 54.31 sq. km., maximum length 14.8 sq. km., maximum width 6.9 sq. km., maximum depth 70 m. and is located at an altitude of 540 m.

Of course, our dive computers are set to freshwater diving, taking into account factors such as cold and altitude. With the local boats and from a wooden pier, we dived eagerly. A different feeling, far from the friendly environment of the sea but charming us accordingly. Buoyancy varies, we need less weight. Movement next to the muddy bottom is prohibited because if sediment rises then everything becomes cloudy and the environment becomes dangerous. The lenses must have a concentrated beam to penetrate the sediment and the pairs must be side by side and not get lost.

Οι στεγανές στολές απαραίτητη προϋπόθεση φυσικά και με πολύ καλά ισοθερμικά. Η συνάντησή μας με τους ντόπιους έγινε σε πολύ καλό κλίμα ενθουσιασμένοι και αυτοί που η λίμνη και ο τόπος τους θα προβληθεί στο περιοδικό Grrek Diver. Οι παλιές ξύλινες βάρκες μας ενθουσίασαν αραγμένες πάνω στην αμμώδη παραλία. Με ένα κρύο να μας πιρουνιάζει αλλάξαμε και βάλαμε τις στεγανές στολές μας, πήραμε μίτους, καρούλια, φωτιστικά συστήματα, γάντια χονδρά, κουκούλες και ανεβήκαμε στις παραδοσιακές βάρκες. Το διαφορετικό ήδη μας ενθουσίαζε. Μετά από μια πρώτη κατάδυση την προηγούμενη ημέρα, κατάδυση γνωριμίας και προσαρμογής όπου είδαμε όσα περιμέναμε, δηλαδή, γουλιανούς τεράστιους σαν κορμούς δένδρων, βαλτώδη βυθό και πολύ κρυοπαγωνιά, η σημερινή κατάδυση είναι αφιερωμένη στο να καταδυθούμε στο βαθύτερο πιθανά σημείο της λίμνης που από ότι λένε φθάνει και στα 70 μέτρα. Οι ψαράδες μας πηγαίνουν σε ένα σημείο της λίμνης και αφού τοποθετούμε γραμμή καταδυόμαστε,

Exciting dive in a thick black icy darkness enveloping. It is definitely not an environment for inexperienced scuba divers. Certainly, doing deep dives and cave diving are essential elements to feel comfortable in such an inhospitable place. We did not reach the bottom as we did not have Trimix with us and we did not have such an intention. We reached a certain depth, let's not mention it better....and we stopped, we floated in nowhere enjoying the absolute black void. Unique educational experience where ZEN plays a big role.

We emerged without seeing anything but strangely very full.

We thanked the locals for their very warm support and hospitality and set off for Athens.