Cave Diving – Exploration Melissani Kefalonia

Άρθρο: Γιώργος Πέτρου

Photo: Vandoros Georgios, Vizentzatos Makis, Speggos Aris, Vassilopoulos Charilaos, Roussopoulos Giorgos

Underwater Video: George Petrou and Kostas Serpanos

The exploration of the caves of Kefalonia Melissani, Zervati, Chiridoni is clearly one of the most important exploration missions not only for the history of HUE but also for the history of technical diving in our country, since there was a massive and organized participation of scuba divers and instructors with the support of organizations. There was a complete exploration of the caves, recording in videos and photos, creation of the 1st professional video that was released at the NATEX exhibition, in the Greek diving market and finally a wide promotion of the mission in the media.

The lake caves and caverns of Kefalonia were a diving challenge. In 2001, such an expedition was an extreme situation that seemed very difficult. At that time, there were only a few teams and technical diving equipment was hard to find. Previous explorations there had been carried out by Vasilis Giannopoulos' team with Jean-Jacques Bolanz, Louigi Casati and Patrick Deriaz.

The large team of Hellas Underwater Explorers organized the support extremely well and the few cave divers, led by Giorgos Petrou, made some of the most beautiful dives of their lives in an incredibly magical world.

Μετά την ολοκλήρωση της επιτυχημένης αποστολής στο βάραθρο του Αγ. Νικολάου στην Κρήτη, η ομάδα μας άρχισε να “συσκέπτεται” για το ποια θα ήταν η επόμενη αποστολή της. Η πρόταση έπεσε σαν δυναμίτης από τον Γιώργο Βανδώρο και η οποία εγκρίθηκε άμεσα. Η επόμενη αποστολή μας θα γινόταν στην πανέμορφη Κεφαλλονιά, με στόχο την εξερεύνηση των υποβρυχίων σπηλαίων Μελισσάνη, Ζερβάτη και Χιριδόνι.

So we started to gather data. Having initially obtained permission from the competent authority of the Ephorate of Speleology and Anthropology, a small team of Hellas Underwater Explorers consisting of George Petrou (mission leader), Vandoros Georgios, Nikolaropoulos Athanasios, Oktapodas Stavros, Koligiannis Nikolaos, went to get acquainted with the environment in which we intended to operate. After contacting the officials of the Municipality of Sami, the person in charge of Lake Melissani and their first experience of the underwater environment which was completely positive, the result was that they returned enthusiastic. The terrestrial and underwater photographs combined with the warm treatment of the local authorities and the interest shown in this issue, were enough for us to decide with enthusiasm to carry out the mission.

ΟΙ ΣΤΟΧΟΙ ΜΑΣ 

The safety of the members of the expedition is always the A and Z of every activity. Especially in such a series of special dives, safety measures, prevention and planning of ways to deal with any possible dangerous incident, any unpredictable factor is our first concern. We must maximize our ability to cooperate, communicate and perform.

We must:

a) We collaborate excellently as a team and especially with our partner, with whom it is very important to know each other very well.

β) Να μην ξεχνάμε ποτέ ότι σε μια δύσκολη κατάσταση ισχύει ότι “εγώ θα αναπνεύσω για εμένα, εγώ θα ενεργήσω για εμένα, και κανείς άλλος” αλλά σε ένα υποβρύχιο περιστατικό σχεδόν πάντα εμπλέκονται δύο γεγονός που επιτάσσει την άριστη επικοινωνία και συνεργασία η οποία θα έχει επέλθει μετά από πολύ κοινή εξάσκηση.

Our goals:

c) Protecting the environment is a duty of all of us. The areas in which we will operate are sacred areas in which several findings of both archaeological and anthropological interest have been found. In ancient times, they were places of worship. Also, the natural environment is a monument of national heritage as it is characterized by an extraordinary decoration of stalactites and stalagmites of every shape and size. Our behavior must be proportionate and we do not take or damage anything.

d) The exploration of caves and the discovery of new places.

e) Gaining experience in cave diving so that a new reality in the Greek diving scene begins to be created. And undoubtedly the whole mission offered us a great diving experience, appropriate to the environment. Many scuba divers and instructors were inspired by missions like this and continued in the field of cave diving.

Εδώ πρέπει να ξεκαθαριστεί ότι εν αντιθέσει με το περιβάλλον του βαράθρου του Αγ. Νικολάου, στα σπήλαια που θα καταδυθούμε έχει ήδη καταδυθεί ο Κος Γιαννόπουλος Βασίλειος (Υπεύθυνος Εφορίας Ανθρωπολογίας-Σπηλαιολογίας) μαζί με την ομάδα που αναφέραμε παραπάνω. Έχει τοποθετήσει μίτο βάσει στον οποίο καταδύθηκε και διείσδυσε η ομάδα μας. Η απόλαυση του μαγευτικού περιβάλλοντος ήταν το αποκορύφωμα της αποστολής. Κάποιες τέτοιες εμπειρίες μας ξεπληρώνουν στο έπακρο για τον κόπο μας, τα έξοδα, το χρόνο που δίνουμε όλοι μας, άλλοι σαν επαγγελματίες και άλλοι σαν ερασιτέχνες στην αγαπημένη μας κατάδυση. Φυσικά και εμείς αναπτύξαμε μίτους σε διαδρομές για να γνωρίσουμε κάθε σημείο του σπηλαίου.

The caves are characterized by:

1. For the clarity of their waters. The underwater caves are flooded and run through by fresh, crystal clear water which in many places becomes brackish due to its mixture with seawater. So here we have the phenomenon of Aloklinos. The journey through them is a real pleasure as there is no sediment, turbidity, nothing that can prevent our eyes from experiencing this unprecedented spectacle. A clarity, however, so sensitive if someone does not have good buoyancy moving near the bottom.

2. For the low temperature of their waters, around 14 – 15 degrees Celsius.. The low temperature is one of the characteristic negatives of underwater caves for us cave divers. Exposure to low temperature can lead to hypothermia, an extremely dangerous condition. Good thermal protection is required with a dry suit or wetsuit of several millimeters and monoshorts on top. Of course, compared to other caves - springs both in Greece and the rest of Europe where the temperatures are 6 degrees Celsius, things are wonderful here.

3. For the risk of roof collapses. Small, but in caves there is always the possibility of a roof collapse (e.g. from an earthquake)...especially in the Ionian islands which are considered and are seismically active.

4. For the rich Stalagmite and Stalactite material. The treasure of the caves is the stalagmites and stalactites which, after millions of years of evolution, have stopped growing in the flooded caves and constitute the most beautiful spectacle.

The environment in which our group stayed was the enchanting landscape of beautiful Sami, Kefalonia. A picturesque seaside tourist resort surrounded by the blue sky, crystal clear waters, and mountains full of forests and tradition. The houses are located in the greenery and bougainvillea. There are many fish taverns wherever you go from the port to Karavomylos. And if you go up to Poulata, the tavern of my friend Panagis Rompoli is the best by far.

License - Legality

The issue of the permit is a very important issue given that there is a very strict selection on the part of the competent authority of this Ephorate of Speleology - Anthropology. The evaluation of the granting of permits is done with at least two criteria such as:

1. Applicants must be certified and experienced in the specific environment and safe diving procedures.

2. Environmental protection

All necessary permits were obtained from:

1. Εφορία Σπηλαιολογίας / Ανθρωπολογίας Κον Γιαννόπουλο Βασίλη. Ο Κος Γιαννόπουλος ανταποκρίθηκε άμεσα στο αίτημά μας και μας έδωσε την άδεια κάνοντάς μας παράλληλα μία σειρά από πολύ σημαντικές επισημάνσεις και προτάσεις οι οποίες ήταν χρησιμότατες.

2. Municipality of Sami Mr. Artelanos Gerasimos (Mayor), Mr. Frantzis (Municipal Director) & Mr. Spathis (Deputy Mayor).

3. Manager of Lake Melissani, Mr. Fotis Filippatos

To whom we especially thank for their cooperation & support.

THE PARTICIPANTS

Those who participated completed and submitted the following supporting documents:

1. Participation application

2. Disclaimer

3. Health Certificate from a Hyperbaric Center

4. Photocopy of Scuba Diver Card or Diploma

Group A Full Cave Diving Penetration

These members who carried out a total exploration-penetration:

Πέτρου Γεώργιος (Εκπαιδευτής) Αρχηγός Αποστολής

Vandoros Georgios (trainer)

Octopus Stavros

Νικολαρόπουλος Αθανάσιος

Mikelis Giannis (Instructor)

Πιτσιώτης Απόστολος

Κατσανεβάκης Στέλιος (Εκπαιδευτής)

These scuba divers are distinguished by their high level of physical and mental condition, with many dives to their credit. With certification in training which allows them to take part in such special forms of dives, they had this very important task of penetrating to the maximum possible length that the conditions would allow them (cave, gases, times, equipment).

Group B Partial Penetration Cavern diving

The members of this group carried out dives in Melissani & Zervati as well as predetermined penetrations of a specific length (approximately 60 meters), under the guidance & supervision of Scuba Divers and instructors of Group A. These were:

Anastasiadis Nikos (My Experienced Trainer and Instructor) Mission Medical Support Manager

Yogiakas Prokopis (Instructor)

Μαρράς Μάνθος (Εκπαιδευτής)

Δελλής Δημήτρης (Εκπαιδευτής)

Σπέγγος Αρης (Εκπαιδευτής)

Stamatis Theodoros (Instructor)

Roussopoulos Georgios

Evangelos Lembesis

Tsiorvas Konstantinos (besides being a good diver, he was also the soul of our constructions)

They had the opportunity to dive into the open parts of the lakes and to penetrate through the cave entrance into the cave (about 60 meters in length). Throughout the dive they had direct visual contact with natural light... with the possibility of direct access to it.

Ομάδα Γ Cavern Diving

The members of this group dived into the Melissani & Zervati caves under the guidance and supervision of Divers and Instructors of Group A. Their penetrations were short and throughout the dive they had direct visual contact with natural light in roofed areas. These were:

Vassilopoulos Charilaos

Hadjidimitriou Dimitris

Vizenzatos Makis

Evangelos Rampakakis

Katerinitsas Dimitrios

Γραμπά Αλεξία

Καλεμικέρης Κίμωνας

Vryniotis Dimitris

Πανούσης Παναγιώτης

Φατούρου Κλεονίκη

Roumeliotakis Nikolaos

Migirou Christina

Barbatis Stavros (trainer)

Group D Non-divers

Η ομάδα αυτή προσέφερε σημαντικότατη υποστήριξη επιφανείας σε πάρα πολλούς τομείς, όπως Γραφείο ενημέρωσης κοινού, δημόσιες σχέσεις. Αυτές ήταν οι:

Giannatou Markella

Ximeraki Irene

Έφη Σταθάκη

Όλοι όσοι πήραν μέρος στην αποστολή έπαιξαν πολύ σημαντικό ρόλο στην επιτυχία της αποστολής. Τα όρια και τις δραστηριότητες των καταδυόμενων προσδιόριζε ο αρχηγός της αποστολής Γιώργος Πέτρου και επόπτευαν οι υπεύθυνοι Εκπαιδευτές και Τεχνικοί Αυτοδύτες της ομάδας Α.

Ιατρική Υποστήριξη

Our team had organized its medical and pharmaceutical support. The person in charge of this was Mr. Anastasiadis Nikos (Educator 3*** EUDAATK & President of the Association of Greek Educators) - Biologist Doctor of Hyperbaric Medicine. The most experienced collaborator and friend offered us physical and psychological safety. The pharmacy was fully equipped and of course there were stretchers, oxygen bottles, etc. Nikos was ready to act at any time but fortunately he did not have to. Nikos is no longer with us but he left us with his educational work, his kindness and his humor. We will always remember him with love.

Video - Photography

Οι καταδύσεις - διεισδύσεις εντός των σπηλαίων βιντεοσκοπήθηκαν από τους Γιώργο Πέτρου (Υπεύθυνος Video) & Κώστα Σερπάνο. Το έργο αυτών ήταν σαφέστατα πολύ δύσκολο δεδομένου του ότι εκτός της βιντεοσκόπησης έκαναν ταυτόχρονα διαχείριση αερίων καθώς και πολλές άλλες κινήσεις υποβρυχίως με πολύ και εξειδικευμένο εξοπλισμό πάνω τους. Τα επίγεια βίντεο έκαναν οι: Αρης Σπέγγος, Χαρίλαος Βασιλόπουλος. Φωτογράφηση έκαναν οι Βανδώρος Γεώργιος (Υπεύθυνος Φωτογραφίας), Βιζεντζάτος Μάκης, Σπέγγος Αρης, Βασιλόπουλος Χαρίλαος.

Η ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΗ ΜΑΣ

It is important to emphasize and clarify that this was a mission of an organized group with specific goals and not an excursion. We all took on responsibilities & tasks within the group. The coexistence of so many people was a challenge in itself.

Προετοιμασία

Preparation is always the basis of a successful mission. Little by little, initially on a personal level and then with gatherings of our team, which grew day by day, we began to determine what each of us would undertake. The participation & selection of the mission members was completed on Friday, September 7, 2001.

On Sunday, September 9, 2001, at the Hellas Underwater Explorers facilities, the following took place:

1. Meeting of the members of the mission and analysis of the program of our activities. Each member received the daily program of the mission. The program at this meeting was presented, discussed. The participants got to know each other since we had new members who did us the honor of being with us.
2. The assignment of responsibilities and tasks was done according to each person's level of education and professional qualifications. Each of us determined the type of contribution we wished to make to the mission.
3. First Aid Seminar. Scuba diving instructors conducted a seminar on First Aid such as Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Transport with and without possible spinal injury, other injury or illness, recovery position and much more.
4. Climbing/descent techniques. In our meeting we established what condition (physical condition & skill) each of us is in in case we need to do some climbing/descent. Some simple but very useful techniques were demonstrated.
5. Organization of expedition equipment. Everyone was informed about what equipment (general & special), diving and non-diving, they should have with them on the expedition.

The journey....

The mission began in an excellent atmosphere and was thus completed. The 33 people would live together, collaborate on one of our most important missions for 8 days. Our team met at the port of Patras wearing the mission t-shirts & hats, giving the right image that a team should have. Our trip on the Kefallonia ship was very good and our group had formed a big well.

We were given a tour of the ship's bridge where we were welcomed by the captain Mr. Paxinos Gerasimos. The news of our exploratory mission had become known and the questions of the ship's crew were incessant. A good omen on the journey was the accompaniment of a small group of dolphins that competed with our ship in speed. It was a journey full of joy and impatience.

The beautiful island of Kefalonia has already entered the horizon and our group went on general alert, the view of Sami is unique, with it located at the foot of lush green mountains and hills with the sea playing in front of it.

Η ομάδα μας αφού τακτοποιήθηκε στο ξενοδοχείο “Κάστρο” ξεκινάει να πάει να γνωρίσει τα τρία σημεία εξερεύνησης. 

Melissani. Mr. Fotis Filippatos, who is in charge of the lake, welcomes us and begins his tour with us. Fotis supported the entire mission from beginning to end with particular enthusiasm. He stood out for his smile and for his willingness to provide solutions to all our problems. We go down the tunnel that was opened so that someone could reach the lake from the surface. We observe the archaeological findings and reach the lake. The abyss chamber is 160 meters long, of which more than a third is covered by the lake (60X40 m2). Its surface is at a depth of 22 meters, while the depth of its water reaches a maximum of 40 meters. A chance archaeological find on the hill on the right side of the lake became the reason for excavation. The research brought to light a clay figurine of the god Pan, a spherical disk with a representation of Pan surrounded by dancing Nymphs, as well as an impressive figure of a young woman, perhaps the nymph Melissanthes, who, through a corruption of her name, became known as the lake of this unique abyss with the name Melissani. The spectacle? Magic, the history of millennia intertwined with the intense turquoise of its always calm waters, the humidity, the foggy cave, the unknown, nature, the climbing plants, the light falling like an archaic column, the small island, compose an intensely mysterious landscape. Probably due to an earthquake, the roof of the cave collapsed and Melissani was revealed. This cave, as concluded from the findings of archaeologists, was a place of worship. And right on its left side begins the underwater cave that our group will explore and which has a long penetration path. Of course, the water of the lake, as one can understand, is brackish.

Το δεύτερο εξερευνητικό μας σημείο είναι τα δύο λιμνοσπήλαια του βαράθρου Ζερβάτη. Ακριβώς μέσα στο χωριό του Καραβόμυλου, κυριολεκτικά ανάμεσα στα σπίτια είναι περιφραγμένο ένα μικρό δασάκι στο οποίο ευρίσκονται μετά από μια μικρή κατάβαση 2 πανέμορφα λιμνοσπήλαια τα οποία θα είναι και τα ευκολότερα εξερευνητικά μας σημεία. Το βάραθρο έχει διαστάσεις 75χ30 μέτρα και με μεγαλύτερο βάθος τα 18 μέτρα.

Our third exploration project, which is also the most difficult, is the underwater cave of Chiridoni with a very long penetration route. Chiridoni, located on the mountain above Poulata, is a chasm that is 100 meters long, 40 meters deep, and a downhill terrain that ends in a sinkhole in a gallery with water. The external environment is a real challenge, as in order to reach the diving point the equipment must pass through a dense forest of the mountain where the chasm is located. It must descend from steep points, many rocks and cliffs, and this would ultimately only be possible with the help of ropes. Here, in my opinion, we all experienced the highest moments of our mission.

************

Μελισσάνη

The first day is always half the battle. The team sets up their heavy equipment. The air compressors of Paramina, who have always been our sponsor, are ready to produce a very heavy task for the next 8 days, supporting us by filling our tanks. The team leaders-instructors will have to coordinate 30 scuba divers so that:

a) the ecological balance of the environment should not be disturbed

b) not to disturb the tourists who visit Melissani by the hundreds every day

c) dives must be completed no later than 5 pm.

d) and most importantly, of course, under no circumstances should the safety of any of us be threatened.

The first dives began in the icy and clear waters of the lake and amply confirmed our expectations. The decoration of the lake bottom was imposing with stalactites hanging in a unique harmony with the rest of the environment. The happy and satisfied looks of those who emerged were for me the greatest satisfaction. The time of exploration arrived and the instructors & technical divers slowly and carefully prepared all our equipment.

THE DIVING

Our team dives after having set up an ideal system of decompression bars on the left side of the lake, right in front of the cave exit. Yes, you read that right, a decompression bar. Our penetration begins and we leave behind the exit, which slowly fades and we feel the darkness enveloping us. Where the light from the exit disappears, we leave a strobe light and follow the ledge. In addition to our equipment, we also have four spare cylinders with a pressure regulator, which we leave at specific distances, approximately every 50 meters, next to the ledge with immediate access to them. In any need for gas, each diver will have the ability to be supported by them. And it goes without saying that no one will touch them unless there is a serious reason.

Now that the years have passed, both the equipment and the techniques we used back then may seem very outdated and incomplete, but for that time it was the most advanced and pioneering thing in our country. Think about how they will see the equipment we use today and the techniques we apply after 24 years...

As we move forward, the lights illuminate a unique spectacle. Entire curtains of stalactites. Some of them end up becoming one with a stalagmite and form a huge column. Our penetration continues and we find ourselves deep inside the underwater cave, in the darkness. In the water, the games of turbidity due to the difference in density are frequent. As I make a video, I admire the calm and experienced movements of the cave divers. Time passes without us realizing it and at the very moment we reach the maximum bottom time that we had set, we simultaneously realize that we have reached the end of the cave.

After here there is precipitation and the continuation becomes particularly difficult and dangerous. Starting the return by taking the right side of the cave we come across the most beautiful part of it. A huge column of stalagmites-stalactites that starts from the ceiling forms a cave on the sides of the cave. Our group enters this narrow passage and we are rewarded because we discover new narrow spaces which, when looking inside, are filled with mainly stalactite material. In the depths, new spaces that the conditions do not allow us to explore. We continue our return and stay next to the mouth. At the points where we want to leave it, we do so by deploying a smaller mouth. Throughout the dive, each technical diver manages gases. One makes video, another takes photos, another does scientific research, another leads the group. The safety cylinders are in place, intact, and as our group passes the last one, the exit light is visible. The blue color created by the light falling on the water of the opening becomes increasingly intense and our group, exiting the cave, goes to the decompression bar where there are bottles with enriched air mixtures (Enriched Air Nitrox) for the best possible denitrification.

All the people on our mission who would not make a penetration dive at depths and times according to their level of training. There is absolute rigor in adhering to the limits that we have established from the beginning. Maximum time spent, minimum gas pressure in our cylinders. We all go out excited and the discussions go on and on until late at night. All the following days in Melissani were spent constantly discovering unique creations of nature. The team functioned excellently. Discipline, efficiency, and great fun were the dominant elements.

Zervati was our next exploration target. All members of the expedition dived there, enjoying the wonderful natural environment of the abyss, which was full of vegetation and the waters of its two small lakes had an intense turquoise color when the light fell on them. Here the underwater caves were small in terms of space, very safe and with plenty of stalagmite and stalactite material. Undoubtedly our most comfortable diving moments.

EPILOGUE

And this mission is over.... Its organization, due to our previous experience from the Agios Nikolaos mission, was easier. Everyone who participated in the mission gave their best. No problem arose, either in the relations between the members of the mission, or in relation to our activity in the area where we moved. We did not bother anyone, and everyone was happy with our presence. We did not have any problems or dangerous incidents during diving. The experience that we all gained in this beautiful environment of the caves of Melissani, Chiridoni, Zervati is invaluable.

There is a separate article on our website for Chiridoni because this cave was a very demanding undertaking. One of the most beautiful caves I have ever dived.

The beauty that our eyes saw will remain deeply engraved within us. Every time a mission begins until it is completed, I possess:

1. anxiety of responsibility regarding safety towards the participating members
2. the environment we dive in to be protected
3. to those who have supported us in organizing and carrying out the mission, the sponsors
4. στους ανθρώπους που μας αγαπάνε και μας περιμένουν
5. end to the general public of diving.

THE VIEWS OF THE MISSION MEMBERS

Giannatou Markella

A mission in the truest sense of the word. Exploring caves, exploring landscapes, exploring endurance, exploring personal and team abilities. And the result? A team that stood up to all circumstances with dignity and accomplished a task that many envy and few create. The highest things belong to it and it will achieve them if it continues to follow its inspirer G. Petrou and practically always operates with the motto one for all and all for one.

Mikelis Ioannis (Ioannis was my partner in our exploratory penetrations - excellent in everything)

A big thumbs up to the initiator of this project, George Petrou. It was a really difficult mission both in bringing together people with different mindsets and temperaments, and in each of his organization of the mission. The result was amazing. I want to thank all the guys who really worked like professionals with only passion and dedication as a reference point. I have one thing to say, George, always like that.

Nikolaropoulos Athanassios (Thanassis is no longer with us. A very good friend of mine. A pure soul, a wonderful person, the soul of the group, always with a smile. We dedicated both the mission and the video that was released to him. Always in our hearts.)

The mission that took place, in my opinion, was one of the most complete and successful that have ever been done at an international level given its risk. It was a great success for Hellas Underwater Explorers and specifically for the manager K. Petros. For everyone, I believe it was a dream come true.

Vassilopoulos Charilaos

No matter how many words are written, no one can describe them. From the first meeting I understood that I was dealing with a serious and methodical mission and not an excursion. They kept me in suspense. Where the day arrived. The journey was good and here we are, arriving in the beautiful place of Kefalonia. From that moment when Mr. Petrou took us to the caves of Melissani, Chiridoni, and Zervati. An awe, a shiver seized me for this fantastic landscape. The adrenaline at its peak and the suspense for the unknown environment excites me. I always wish that the missions are always like this and that they always be successful.

Evangelos Rampakakis

This mission was really very educational for me. Everyone did amazingly well and worked with pleasure. Personally, it will be unforgettable for me. I hope the next one will be better. Finally, I would like to thank Hellas Underwater Explorers for what they offered me.

Κατερινίτσας Δημήτρης

It was truly a mission, not an excursion. Everyone worked flawlessly. It is one of the missions that will change many things in the field of technical diving in Greece. I thank Hellas Underwater Explorers for everything they offered me and I hope to participate in the next mission.

Evangelos Lembesis

Οι εμπειρίες από καταδύσεις σε λιμνοσπήλαια πιστεύω ότι είναι ανεπανάληπτες. Εύχομαι να μπορέσουν να βρεθούν και άλλα άτομα στη θέση μας να ζήσουν τέτοιες στιγμές.

Dellis Dimitris

A first essential step for starting some activities related to diving beyond the usual limits. Very good organization, discipline, coordination, good cooperation for this specific mission.

Σταμάτης Θεόδωρος

The magic of the challenge and the conquest of the unknown that became a reality by a group of people who collaborated as best they could and overcame problems as quickly as they arose and made a dream come true that is unique for Greek standards.

Βανδώρος Γιώργος (υπερήφανος που τον είχα μαθητή μου, το δεξί μου χέρι και χαίρομαι για όσα έχει επιτύχει σήμερα στη κατάδυση)

I have been waiting for this step for a long time and I was anxious about the coexistence of different people in a mission with a common goal. I was really pleased with the results of the mission and now I really feel ready for the next big step and in another roof environment. I feel like a pioneer, congratulations to all of us.

Vryniotis Dimitris

The perspective I gained on this mission is invaluable. Also the creation of new friends with a common purpose. May we always have such.

Πανούσης Παναγιώτης

ΣΥΓΧΑΡΗΤΗΡΙΑ!!!....σε όλους μαζί και σε κάθε ένα από εμάς ξεχωριστά.

Octopus Stavros (Stavros, along with Vandoros and Nikolaropoulos, was the soul of Hellas Underwater Explorers).

A big thumbs up to all of us. We were impeccable. And an even bigger one to Mr. Petrou for the vision. I hope everyone understood what we did on this mission because we probably haven't realized it yet. Even to higher-ups.

Migirou Christina I am very happy that I took part in the mission not only because I did something that I really like but at the same time something very creative. A big thumbs up to Mr. Petrou and all the children, they were all wonderful. The mission was a school for me. I had a great time.

Καλιμικέρης Κίμωνας

Success is the result of the team effort we made because above all else we gained invaluable knowledge with zero cost-losses. After these 8 days we can continue because everywhere and always there is room for improvement. A thank you to everyone for the days we spent together.

Roumeliotakis Nikolas

I will not forget the spectacle, the organization, the lesson, the team, the enjoyment, the experience, Kefalonia, and the fatigue. 8 words for 8 days.

Hadjidimitriou Dimitris

This mission was an opportunity to learn some things and live some experiences that you are not given the opportunity to live every day. And such opportunities should not be left unexploited. Fatigue is forgotten when you calculate what you have gained all these days. It is something that no one should deprive themselves of.

Katsanevakis Stelios (Soul of our team, excellent trainer, person and scientist, proud to have had him as a student)

We experienced unique and unforgettable moments, 33 people organized ourselves perfectly and managed to live 7 days full of beauty and special experiences. It was something special that should form the basis for our future missions.

Serpanos Kostas.

Excellent organization by Hellas Underwater Explorers, a unique diving experience and will certainly form the basis of the following technical missions in the field of diving. I would like to personally thank Mr. George Petrou for giving me the opportunity to participate in this mission.

Upon our return, our team held a presentation of the mission and its results, showed photos and videos, gave speeches by distinguished scientists such as cave diver Mr. Giannopoulos, and awarded the members of the mission.

George Petrou and Hellas Underwater Explorers in general feel the need to thank once again:

Markella Giannatou (My partner and endless patience & support)

Vandoro Georgios

Octopus Cross

Mikeli Ioannis

Κατσανεβάκης Στέλιο

Pitsiotis Apostolos

Serpano Costas

Νικολαρόπουλο Αθανάσιο

Anastasiadis Nikos

Γιόγιακα Προκόπη

Marra Manthos

Delhi Dimitri

Speggo Aris

Stamatis Theodoros

Roussopoulos Georgios

Λεμπέση Ευάγγελο

Tsiorva Konstantinos

Vassilopoulos Charilaos

Hadjidimitriou Dimitris

Βιζεντζάτο Μάκη ( Ο Μάκης δεν είναι κοντά μας σήμερα. Εξαιρετικός άνθρωπος, πολύ ευγενής, συμμετείχε σε όλα τα καταδυτικά δρώμενα, σε καταδύσεις, συγγραφή σε περιοδικά, πήγαμε μαζί σε εκθέσεις στο εξωτερικό κλπ, θα τον θυμόμαστε με πολύ αγάπη)

Ραμπακάκη Ευάγγελο

Katerinitsa Dimitrios

Γραμπά Αλεξία

Kalemikeri Kimono

Vryniotis Dimitris

Πανούση Παναγιώτη

Φατούρου Κλεονίκη

Ρουμελιωτάκη Νικόλαο

Migirou Christina

Barbatis Stavros

who honored me with their participation & behavior. Thank you. I am glad that we all contributed to the development of diving by laying another solid, healthy stone for its future with this mission.

Sponsors - MEDIA

As we all know, no such private initiative can be realized if it is not supported by entities that have the financial capacity. There have indeed been some entities as well as companies that believed in us and supported us, giving us the opportunity to accomplish some things easier and better.

Οι εταιρείες / φορείς οι οποίοι υποστηρίζουν τους Hellas Underwater Explorers και τους οποίους ευχαριστούμε για την υποστήριξή τους ήταν:

SONY GREECE

Mr. Robolis George responded immediately and believed in our exploration team and this project. The support in the sensitive area of logistical infrastructure played an important role in recording, bringing to the surface an image of amazing clarity. They provided us with the Digital Camcorder DSR-PD150P with ideal financial conditions, which proved to be the best in quality and capabilities we could have underwater to make underwater video.

FSS

Mr. Kefalas Vasilis, already from the previous mission, had believed in and supported our team with equipment such as a number of excellent quality bottles that he represents in the Greek market. His offer has given us comfort in the matter of equipment adequacy.

Athens Postgraduate School of Oceanography - Mrs. Apostolopoulou, Director of the Department, has embraced the activities of our group. This department of the University of Athens is always close to us and, apart from its interest, participates with its staff and equipment for our scientific research.

BLUE STAR FERRIES

Mr. Theodoratos (Marketing Director) responded immediately and offered a 50% discount on ferry tickets, which greatly benefited the executives of our team financially. The crew and the captain of the ship KEFALONIA welcomed us with great love.

GREEK DIVER

<<Το περιοδικό μας>> και ο εκδότης του Κος Δήμης Βαρβέρης στάθηκε για μία ακόμη φορά κοντά μας. Μας προσέφερε δημοσιότητα και την δυνατότητα ουσιαστικής επικοινωνίας με το ευρύ καταδυτικό κοινό. Επίσης προσέφερε στα μέλη της αποστολής 100 καπέλα-jokey με το όνομα των Underwater Explorers και την ονομασία ΜΕΛΛΙΣΑΝΗ 2001

MUNICIPALITY OF SAMI

Mr. Artelanos Gerasimos (Mayor), Mr. Frantzis (Municipal Director) & Mr. Spathis (Deputy Mayor). We believe that the sponsorship of the Municipality was one of the most decisive in the realization of the mission since the free accommodation enabled this large number of divers to participate. And during the mission they offered us / supported us in whatever we needed.

FOTIS PHILLIPATOS

Mr. Fotis Filippatos is the manager of Melissani Lake. Fotis, with an incessant smile, gave us unlimited freedom of movement and a constant offer of whatever we asked of him. We owe him a lot.

KORONAKIS S.A.

responded immediately by providing a large quantity of ropes which helped our work immensely.

ΠΑΡΑΜΙΝΑ

Air compressors. Mr. Marinopoulos with his excellent air quality air compressors is always there and supports the big diving events. He supported us with two air compressors throughout the expedition. And it was our honor to have him present with us on the expedition.

Apostolidis Cressi -Sub

Πάντα κοντά μας με πολύ αγάπη τους οφείλουμε ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ.

The media always embraces our missions. These were:

The diving magazine Greek Diver

The newspaper TA NEA with the well-known journalist Mr. Prokopis Gioyakas who always supports and promotes our activities in a unique way. Prokopis is always with us and actively participated in the expedition by diving as he is also a scuba diving instructor.

The STAR television channel with the excellent journalist Dida Eftychia Pentaraki.

The TV channel ALTER with the well-known journalist Mr. Vasilis Zervas.

Δημοσιεύσεις γίνανε σε έντυπο και ηλεκτρονικό τύπο τόσο αυτόν της Αθήνας όσο και αυτόν της Κεφαλλονιάς.