![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UsTbf4Jjaik/Upw5sptjUTI/AAAAAAAAdOY/lum2FGqttq8/s400/994387_772712479410623_2089630147_n.jpg) |
(photo ©GPP) |
Reunion Island's water sports and tourism sectors have been hard-hit by the recent spate of shark attacks. Although
divers know that you have nothing to fear from a shark underwater, the general public has a different perception. This is the main reason why on December 1st the local
Groupement des professionnels de la plongée (GPP, Association of diving professionals) decided to create a positive action and break a world record by forming a human chain of 110 divers at a depth of 18 metres.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q96lZbCnsgc/UpwqWLXl3QI/AAAAAAAAdM4/dSxKiOIE_aM/s400/0739980001385906458.jpg) |
(photo ©GPP) |
200 hours of preparation were necessary for the event, which also involved 40 extra volunteers, 13 dive boats and 14 dive clubs.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-obDd7FQX_KY/UpwqXICVXnI/AAAAAAAAdNQ/wXiP2EXFU4c/s400/6096595-9101017.jpg) |
(photo ©GPP) |
The youngest diver was 18, and the oldest 82!
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LB04-eZ11xU/UpwqXix6UmI/AAAAAAAAdNM/v-2vKmYjEe4/s400/6096595-9101026.jpg) |
(photo ©GPP) |
Six photographers and cameramen were present.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w9XmI5kdjCw/UpwqYTf3xgI/AAAAAAAAdNs/GPqS8qMUxt4/s400/6096595-9101027.jpg) |
(photo ©GPP) |
It took place place at
Saint Leu on the island's south-west coast, and although originally only a minute together was planned, in the end the divers managed 5 minutes and 12 seconds without breaking the chain, which measured 76.2 metres long.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bxBXSKXvXXU/UpwqZqrT_AI/AAAAAAAAdN0/Q5o4q4v9LjA/s400/record_plongee.jpg) |
At the surface (photo ©Laurent Figon) |
Four independent judges were present to attest to the world record, which will be sent to the
Guinness Book of Records for certification.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PLmeDZBKNdE/UpwqYpCvZLI/AAAAAAAAdNk/f_43_njFKvA/s400/6096595-9101031.jpg) |
celebrating at the surface afterwards (photo ©GPP) |