Dive Mission: Rangiroa Atoll

Artist Dale Evers and his undersea sculpture, Oceanic Voyagers On Saturday, January 18, 2003, more than 100 Cayman Brac islanders gathered in front of the District Administration Building to witness the Statue Unveiling Ceremony of Cayman Brac's newest undersea attraction. The object of attention is a 7-foot tall, 800-pound bronze sculpture of two life-size dolphins and three stingrays around its base - entitled Oceanic Voyagers. It is the first of THE OCEANIC PROJECT - a series of underwater statues that will be created and placed in premiere diving locations around the world. The ceremony opened with a prayer by Juliana O'Connor-Connolly, Member of the Legislature, followed by welcoming remarks from Lania Rittenhouse, Director of Tourism. Additional speeches were given by Lyndon Martin, Member of the Legislature; Kenny Ryan, District Commissioner; Moses Kirkconnell, SITA President. The ceremony ended with an emotional speech by Dale Evers, the artist who created the sculpture. He explained that the artwork was created from underwater photographs that he has taken during dives in the Cayman Islands and Caribbean. The two dolphins are symbolic of the gentle nature of the Caymanian people, while the stingrays represent one of the Cayman Island's most treasured natural resources. Following the ceremony, a reception was held at the Captain's Table located at the Brac Caribbean Beach Village. OCEANIC PROJECTThe Oceanic Project is a collaborative effort between the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, Oceanic Worldwide, Sport Diver Magazine and marine sculptor Dale Evers. Oceanic Voyagers is a perfect fusion of Art and Ocean - the first in what is sure to become a series that will celebrate our world's many unique marine environments. ARTIST DALE EVERSMarine sculptor Dale Evers has been a student of the deep sea for most of his life, drawing inspiration from the beauty beneath the waves. For nearly 15 years, Evers has captured the imagination of art collectors around the globe with his graceful life-like creations. His sculpture style reflects his passion for nature. Ever's artwork has been featured at important exhibitions and select galleries throughout the world. Yet his first undersea exhibit is the statute at Cayman Brac. His sculptures range in scale from miniatures to grand proportions. Dale Evers commissions include work for the U.S. Olympic Committee and awards presented by The American Oceans Campaign. Evers claims that all previous successes have simply been a warm up for the Oceanic Project. When Evers met Bob Hollis, founder and CEO of Oceanic World-wide and a legendary pioneer in the dive industry, he was moved to call the momentous undertaking Oceanic Voyagers in recognition of Hollis' significant achievements and contributions to the exploration of the undersea world. For more information about Dale Evers artistic creations, click on http://www.DaleEvers.com or e-mail dale@sculpturalconcepts.com. UNDERSEA ATTRACTIONFollowing in the footsteps of the Christ of the Abyss statue, sunk in 1965, at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, this life-scale cast bronze sculpture is a compelling image of the ocean's most familiar creatures. Combining sea mammals and fish, Oceanic Voyagers represents the best of both species. The Oceanic Voyagers sculpture will be yet another reason for travelers to visit the Cayman Islands and best of all, it will help promote the sport keeping divers enthusiastic about diving and encourage them to return again and again to their favorite dive spots. The sculpture is permanently installed off Stake Bay, Cayman Brac for divers and snorkelers to enjoy for generations to come. Located at a shore diving site called Radar Reef, the sculpture sits at a depth of 47 feet. OCEANIC EXPERIENCE - CAYMAN BRAC - AUG 10 TO 17The Oceanic Experience is an event for divers, snorkelers and watersports enthusiasts of all levels. This fun-filled week will include Oceanic equipment demos, functions, parties, contests, give-aways and much, much more! Other co-hosts will be on hand like Sea & Sea U/W Photography and Sport Diver Magazine. Bring a group or just bring yourself! Dive the newly placed ''Oceanic Voyagers'', the life-size cast bronze sculpture by Dale Evers featuring the dolphins and stingrays of the Cayman Islands. This summer, let Oceanic by your host - it's the perfect opportunity to discover the famous diving and hospitality of the Cayman Islands, or it's the perfect reason to come back again! THE OCEANIC EXPERIENCE takes place this August 10 to 17th. For this week packed with fun, fabulous diving, cool gear and the hospitality of the beautiful Cayman Islands, book early - you won't want to miss it! Your choice of resort accommodations at: BRAC REEF RESORT - 1-800-594-0843The Oceanic Special includes: 7 nights accommodations, events, deluxe pool view room, 3 meals daily, 6 days of 3-tank dives, airport transfers and all government taxes & services charges... $1,345 per person, double occupancy. Ask for promotional code #DEMAOC. CARIB SANDS BEACH RESORT - 866-843-2722The Oceanic Special includes: 7 nights accommodations, events, 5 days of 2-tank dives, airport transfers and all government taxes & services charges... $699 per person, double occupancy. Price with 2 meals daily... $869. Ask for promotional code #OCE001. BRAC CARIBBEAN BEACH VILLAGE - 866-843-2722The Oceanic Special includes: 7 nights accommodations, events, 5 days of 2-tank dives, airport transfers and all government taxes & services charges... $699 per person, double occupancy. Price with 2 meals daily... $869. Ask for promotional code #OCE001. To book, contact your local Oceanic Dealer or call the resort direct. For further event information, contact:OCEANIC WORLDWIDEPhone: 510-562-0500Fax: 510-569-5404