Most divers ironing underwater-world record set
by Yorkshire Divers
CHEPSTOW, Wales, UK -- 86 British scuba
divers braved water temperatures of just 41F (5C) to to iron
one item of linen within a 10-minute time limit at the bottom
of a 173ft-deep flooded quarry-setting the world record for
the most
divers ironing underwater simultaneously.
In addition to breaking the world record, the
aim was to raise money for RNLI crew training. Photo: Gareth Lock (enlarge
photo)
The previous record for the most
divers ironing underwater simultaneously, held by
Australian divers, was 72, but the British divers managed
to get at least 86 ironing within a 10-minute period.
Around 140 people from across the UK volunteered
their time, with 128 of them qualified divers. Depending on
experience, each sunk to the quarry bed at different depths
with an ironing board, iron and an item of linen.
A record 86 divers managed the task simultaneously,
while the remainder were either disqualified for starting
too early, or penalised for overshooting the 10-minute time
limit.
Their incredible feat at the National Diving and
Activity Centre in Chepstow, Wales, was captured on camera
by 11 photographers armed with special underwater cameras.
The the Extreme
Ironing Bureau describe this kind of attempt as: “An
outdoor activity that combines the danger and excitement of
an extreme sport with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt.”