The Blue Hole, also known as Dahab Blue Hole, is a large submarine sinkhole located near the Red Sea resort town of Dahab, Egypt. It’s a popular destination for divers, especially technical divers, due to its unique challenges and depths. However, it’s also known for being a dangerous dive site and has been the site of numerous diver fatalities The Blue Hole is a circular sinkhole with a maximum depth exceeding 100 meters (328 feet). It has a shallow opening to the sea, known as “the saddle,” which is around 6 meters (20 feet) deep. There’s also a 26-meter (85-foot) long tunnel called “the Arch,” with its ceiling reaching a depth of 55 meters (181 feet) and its bottom dropping to around 120 meters (394 feet) on the seaward side. The hole and the surrounding area are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Popularity and dangers: The Blue Hole’s allure lies in its accessibility from the shore, allowing divers to reach significant depths without needing a boat. This accessibility, however, coupled with the site’s complex underwater topography and challenging conditions, makes it a hazardous location for inexperienced or inadequately trained divers. The primary dangers associated with the Blue Hole include: Nitrogen narcosis: This is a state of intoxication experienced by divers at specific depths due to the increased pressure affecting the central nervous system. It can impair judgment, coordination, and decision- making, potentially leading to fatal consequences. Decompression sickness: If divers ascend too quickly after being at depth, nitrogen bubbles can form in their bloodstream, causing decompression sickness. This can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and paralysis. Limited visibility: The depth and the nature of the Blue Hole can significantly reduce underwater visibility, posing navigation challenges and increasing the risk of divers losing their way or encountering hazards unseen. Safety and responsible diving: Due to the inherent risks involved, diving the Blue Hole is strictly recommended only for highly experienced technical divers who possess the necessary training, qualifications, and equipment to navigate the complex underwater environment safely. It’s crucial to emphasize that attempting to dive the Blue Hole without the proper training and experience is exceptionally dangerous and can be fatal.