Geoff Yeadon, UK Cave Diving Pioneer, Dies

Renowned British cave diver Geoff Yeadon, a central figure in the development of modern cave diving in the UK has died, leaving a lasting legacy in exploration and safety.

Geoff Yeadon
Tech and Training

Geoff Yeadon, widely regarded as one of the leading figures in British cave diving from the 1970s onward, has died following a sudden heart attack. News of his passing on 29 March 2026 was shared by the UK caving community, where it came as a shock to many.

According to reports posted on UK Caving, Yeadon collapsed during an event attended with members of his family. Despite the presence of medical staff, he could not be revived. “He was, of course, a legend in caving and cave diving and will be sorely missed,” the statement read.

Press Release
Received from: Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort Bonaire Welcomes New Course Director

Buddy Dive

The new course director, Rosie Alvelais Crocker, brings international teaching experience and a strong passion for professional dive training to the island.

Rosie’s journey into scuba diving began far from the ocean. Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and raised in El Paso, Texas, she developed an early fascination with marine life during family beach trips. 

Press Release
Received from: Poseidon Diving Systems

Experience Poseidon at Buddy Dive Bonaire – November 2026

Poseidon

Imagine yourself diving the pristine shores of Bonaire, the shore diving capital of the world — warm water, easy conditions, and spectacular marine life — all together with the global Poseidon diving community.

In November 2026, Poseidon Diving Systems invites you to a unique dive experience in collaboration with ScubaTravel Scandinavia and Buddy Dive Resort.

This trip is for you if you are:

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Långban Mine: A Dream for Mine Divers

When you think of Sweden, IKEA, Volvo and Greta Thunberg might be the first things that come to mind. But think again, because Sweden—and more specifically Västmanland, Dalarna and Värmland—offers some of the best diveable mines in the world. Constantin Ene and Martina Utzinger take us on a tour of one of them: the Långban Mine.

Words:
Constantin Ene and Martina Utzinger
Images:
Constantin Ene
Diving in the Långban Mine
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training

The Långban Gruva (Långban Mine) in the municipality of Filipstad in Värmland was opened in the 16th century and closed its doors in 1972. Located in Långbans Gruv och Kulturby (Långban Mining and Culture Village), the mine’s dive base is now operated by Långbans Dyksällskap (Långban Dive Club).

Dive Instructor Arrested in 12-Year-Old Student’s Death

A dive instructor connected to the death of a 12-year-old scuba student in Texas has now been arrested, according to the news outlet Fox 4, marking the first major legal development since the incident that sparked widespread concern within the diving community.

William Armstrong mugshot composite
Tech and Training

The arrest of dive instructor William Armstrong follows months of scrutiny after the young student died during a certification course in August 2025. As previously reported by X-Ray Magazine, the case raised serious questions about supervision, training standards and the handling of evidence in the aftermath of the accident. At the time, concerns were also voiced about missing dive computer data and the apparent lack of a thorough initial investigation.

Press Release
Received from: NAUI

NAUI and Ocean Reef Launch Full Face Mask Courses

NAUI

The National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) is proud to announce a new partnership with Ocean Reef Group to offer specialty courses focused on diving with Ocean Reef full face masks. This collaboration brings together two dive industry innovators committed to safety, comfort, and expanding access to underwater exploration.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

The Perfect Dive Liveaboard

What makes a dive liveaboard perfect? Simon Pridmore takes a closer look and offers insights and tips for choosing the right dive liveaboard for you.

Words:
Simon Pridmore
Images:
Recreational scuba diving liveaboard
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training

The spoiler in this column comes right at the beginning. There is no such thing as a perfect dive liveaboard. At least, I have never come across one, and I have been travelling on dive liveaboards pretty much ever since they became a thing.

The genesis of this article stems from the aftermath of a wonderful liveaboard trip, where the manifold inadequacies of the vessel my wife and I were travelling on were more than made up for by the positivity and camaraderie among our group, and the quality of the diving.

X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Checklists: A Rebreather Safety Strategy

In rebreather diving, preparation and checklists are essential for staying alive. So, why do some rebreather divers skip their checklists? Simon Pridmore takes a closer look, offering insights and tips for diving safely in an excerpt from his recent book, Technically Speaking: Talks on Technical Diving, Volume 2: Foundations and Strategies.

Words:
Simon Pridmore
Images:
Rebreather diver
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training
X-RAY MAGAZINE FEATURE

Why Cave Divers Still Die: Stable Failure Modes in an Overhead Environment

An analysis of persistent accident mechanisms, despite modern training and technology. Technical diving instructor, cave diver and researcher Michel Ribera provides insights into fatal cave diving accidents and the factors that lead to them.

Words:
Michel Ribera
Images:
➥ Download the full article as pdf ⬅︎
Tech and Training

Cave diving has benefited from significant advances over the last few decades. Equipment is more reliable, training is better structured, and procedures are widely shared across the global community. Fatal accidents, however, have not disappeared.

This persistence suggests that the problem is not primarily technical. The mechanisms leading to fatal outcomes in caves appear to be remarkably stable, rooted in human behaviour, physiological limits and the constraints imposed by overhead environments.

Press Release
Received from: Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort Academy IDC Program

Buddy Dive

Buddy Dive Resort, one of Bonaire's premier diving destinations, continues to offer its IDC, a comprehensive and internationally recognized program that trains aspiring scuba instructors to the highest professional standards. Held year-round in the idyllic setting of Bonaire, the IDC at Buddy Dive has become the go-to course for divers looking to advance their careers and gain PADI Instructor certification.

Are you an aspiring diver looking to go professional? Buddy Dive academy offers the chance and resources for you to become an instructor.

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