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Updated Tuesday, April 29, 2008 0:00 am TWN, By David Young, The China Post

All divers saved after 40 hours

Even when told where to look for them, rescuers still had trouble locating them. The rescuers were helped by one of the drifting divers, who was carrying a camera. When she saw a helicopter, 28-year old Liu Hui-chun clicked the flash of her camera again and again. “I was desperate,” she said. “It’s the third chopper we saw,” she added.

Of course, she didn’t know Ting had told the rescuers where they were. The two helicopters they saw on Sunday hovered over them but didn’t see them. Five of the drifting divers, including Liu, were picked up one by one by the chopper at 2:30 a.m. yesterday. Eight hours later, the last two were found and rescued.

“We split in two groups, four each, while we were adrift Saturday,” said Hung Yu-sheng, 29. Later, Ting said he would try to swim ashore and left them. Wang Shun-ping, 28, was picked up together with Liu and Hung. “I am very sorry for causing the people all the trouble,” he apologized.

An apology was also offered by Kuo Chun-hsien, 38, and Tu Ting-chang, 38. They were rescued as a batch in the morning. “We shouldn’t risk our lives trying to dive near the dangerous reef,” Kuo said.

The last two divers saved, Lee Su-ling, 44, and Wang Yu-sheng, 29, recalled how hungry and thirsty all of them were. “Luckily,” Lee said, “we all wore diving suits. We were cold, but we didn’t suffer hypothermia.” Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature falls below 35 degrees Celsius. Remaining in cold water for long periods of time may lead to hypothermia, which can kill.

All eight divers were taken to the Christian Hospital and Dr. Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taitung. Doctors said they were all right. “It never occurred that we might die,” said Liu Su-ling. “We are all good divers,” she added. “And we believed we would be saved.” At first they chatted to cheer up each other. Then they gagged themselves to keep strength for a drift that could be very long.

“All that is over,” said Liu Hui-chun. The first thing she did after the rescue was to call her father in Pingtung. “Daddy,” she said, “I’m all right.”

“But I won’t do it again,” she promised her father. She said she would give up scuba diving for good. “I’ll give away all my gear,” she added.

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October 6, 2011 GEOCACHING007@

Ting Po-ling = YOU ARE A TRUE HERO = You were so brave and faithful to all your fellow scuba diver friends, leaving to get help by swimming, drifting so far, alone in the vast sea for 36 hours.

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. = Buddha

No one saves us but ourselves. No one can and no one may. We ourselves must walk the path. = Buddha

Life is suffering = Buddha

Very smart of Liu Hui-chun to click the flash of her camera again and again so rescue helicopter would be sure to see them.

And to the other seven (7) friends, I am so happy you all stayed together in two groups and supported each other during this time of trials and hardship.

It is very good that you all are great divers and never had negative thoughts of your survival and always knew you would be saved. But I know your loved ones, family and others were so worried not knowing if you were dead or alive. What a joy for them to know you were all ok and a happy homecoming for all.

I hope all of you live a long and happy life with those you love.
May Buddha, God smile upon you forever.

GiGi from Cape Canaveral on the Atlantic Ocean in Florida
One who surfed, snorkeled and scuba dived and know how quick danger can set in



	Kuo Chun-hsien, left, walks out of the Coast Guard helicopter. He was picked out of waters near Tamali yesterday after he had been reported missing two days before. (CNA) More Photos (3)


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