Search results

Today (November 1st 2011) marks the 22nd anniversary of the passing away of Rodney Jonklaas, Sri Lanka's legendary diver. He will be remembered by all who knew him, especially by the surviving members of the "Reefcombers of Ceylon".

30th October marked the 31 anniversary of the passing away of Sri Lanka's greatest diver "Reefcomber" Rodney Jonklaas. They say you never die so long as you are remembered by your friends. So let it be with Rodney, who is fondly remembered by all who knew him, including the last of the...

June 29th marks the 28th death Anniversary of Sri Lanka's legendary diving pioneer Vicki Athukorala, who died of Prostrate cancer in 1982. Athu was mentor to a generation of divers, including the writer. He is fondly remembered by all those who knew him. Rex

Hi Yames, Great to hear from you. Rodney's shell collection is now housed in the National Museum (Colombo). Yes, we have probably met. I used to visit him at the old place at Colonel Avenue, Nikape and later at Ja-Ela. Did some shooting with him as well. Rodney was a good shot. I don't know...

Hi Yames, Great to hear from you. Yes Rodney was one hell of a guy. Have we met? Anyway also met Rodney's grand nephew Marc (Ena's grandson) when he was in SL some months ago. Marc is also a diver. Yes Cedric was a good friend and a superb diver. Sadly he joined the Navy and the helicopter he...

Hi everyone, Just thought I would keep you informed on progress in my efforts to obtain information on the past history of diving in my country. It appears that the few surving pioneers have retired abroad, most in Australia and others in the USA, Britain etc. They have been a tremendous source...

Thanks for the very useful information. I must replace my "lost" copy. Rex

It is a good thing to remember those who have passed on. I know how how you feel, as (a diver for c. 55 years) I have seen many of the great ones pass away. It is sad but then our time too will come soon enough. I am reminded of the quote "We are born on one tide and we depart on another. Only...

The proof of the pudding is in the eating, and tables have always worked for me, (maybe it's my genes). No I'm not 25, actually I'm 69 and have been diving most of my life. I should clarify that I did not intend to be dogmatic, but merely mentioned what has worked for me. I am old and...

It could be my genes. Anyway, I use whatever works for me! Rex

One thing I know about computers, they crash. Period. I'm not a PADI diver and call me stupid if you will, but give me a set of tables any day. (I've been using both the British Admiralty and US Navy decompression tables for close to 50 years, maybe that's why I'm still around to write this). Rex

Can anyone tell me how I could contact (then) Lieutenant Sri Kantha ex Sri Lanka Navy? Sri was commander of the SL Navy diving unit in the 1970s. I require to contact him as he is a repository of information on the early history of the Navy diving unit apart from which he was a perfect "Officer...

Hi Sam, Couldn't agree with you more. They don't make 'em like they used to. Thanks for the useful information re. Ivanovic. Incidentally, Ivanovic visited Sri Lanka twice in the 1950s and dived with Rodney, although I didn't meet him. Thanks for permission to quote you in my proposed book...

Hi Sam, I am indeed very pleased by your very kind comments on my old friend and diving mentor Rodney Jonklaas. As you have observed, Rodney was indeed a remarkable person. I am currently writing an article entitled "A Tribute to Rodney Jonklaas" and a book entitled "History of Diving in Sri...

All this talk of Giant Groupers and the Sunken Dock raises the subject of the salvage operation to refloat the dock. The dock was refloated in the late 1960s to early 1970s and towed away to (I believe) the middle East. (A small part of the dock remains on the seabed). This monumental salvage...

Dear Nishan, Really glad to know that Rodney is still remembered. He was unique. Do you know that when he located the Hermes in 1967, he made several dives, including at least three night dives, all by himself? His only "companion" was a .357 Magnum "Bangstick" which he never had to use. I look...

Hi Anthony, Please read my message on page 2. Rex

30th October 2009 marks the 20th death anniversary of Sri Lanka's legendary pioneer diver Rodney Jonklaas. Rodney was a renaissance man: a fine free diver, SCUBA diver, spearfisherman and underwater photographer. He was author of a few books and numerous scientific papers. In 1967 he discovered...

Sir Arthur C. Clarke wrote five (non fiction) books on diving. They were "Coast of Coral", "Reefs of Taprobane", "The First Five Fathoms", "Indian Ocean Adventure" and "Treasure of the Great Reef". Sir Arthur was an old friend and I am the proud owner of autographed copies of all these volumes...

Hi everybody, I'm the last survivor of the pioneering Sri Lankan divers (diving since the mid-1950s). Before I set out on my last dive, I have set myself the task to document properly, the entire history of diving in Sri Lanka, which I hope to publish soon. This is necessary as much has been...