Upon reaching Palau, Amber and Charles were mesmerized by the overflowing of abundant marine life in the crystal clear water. Palau was simply the paradise for photographers and many demanding divers.
As Amber and Charles dived into the sea, they witnessed blue holes, huge caverns, spectacular walls and an immense variety of rare marine species which were easily accessible as they were enjoying visibility exceeding 200 feet in the clear water.
In Palau there are World War II wrecks. There are also many not found anywhere else in the world, of large pelagic predators, sharks, turtles, dolphins and land locked marine lakes.
Amber and Charles were curious as they venture further because they read that it was accessible from the sea through tunnels to home of rare jelly fish, anemones and soft corals.The walls encrusted with colorful soft corals and sponges. Sea whips with crinoids were abundant and big pelagic cruised the drop-offs when the current was running.
"Palau diving is incredible," said Amber to Charles as they surfaced.
"Let's go venture further!" said Charles excitedly as they dived into the clear water again.
Both of them went to Chandelier cave, Palau's great diving site which is nestled in the Rock Islands. It is a huge cave system under one of the islands close to Korror harbor. This system extends a couple of hundred meters under the island. It is called the Chandelier cave because of the stalactite formations that hang like chandeliers from the roof of the cave.
After lunch, Amber and Charles went for a walk. Palau was claimed to be one of the place with the richest flora and fauna, both on land and underwater with 700 species of coral and 1,200 species of identified fish. While they were taking a stroll, Charles over heard some divers talking about Peleliu Expressway.
"Let's go to Peleliu expressway tomorrow!" Charles told Amber with a grin on his face.
"Didn't you hear that it is very dangerous?" Amber asked worriedly.
"Please...I promise I won't go further if i felt the strong current coming," pleaded Charles.
"OK...but I'm going with you," said Amber in a stern manner.
The next morning, they headed for the southern reef of Peleliu Island. It was 35 miles (56 kilometers) from Korror. It took them around 80 minutes to reach by speedboat.
"The currents at Peleliu Expressway are unpredictable and often change directions without notice. As rule of thumb, incoming tide will flow to the northeast; the outgoing tide flows to southwest creating what is called the 'expressway' effect. During full and new moon the currents are more severe and special care should be taken if this dive is attempted during this period," said the experience diving instructor as he briefed us about the dive.
"This dive is for experienced and advanced divers because of the ripping currents that can seemingly come out of nowhere and change direction without warning. When the current is running, Peleliu Express is considered the ultimate in drift dives, but this dive is not for everyone. If you think you are not ready, please reconsider before stepping into the water as it might be very dangerous," said the instructor again as a reminder.
But Charles was very eager to dive into the sea because he read that Peleliu Expressway is home to some of the largest fish concentrations in the world. The strong currents at this point attracted many pelagic creatures. Divers had encountered Blue Marlins and Sailfish, Whale Sharks, pods of Sperm Whales, Pilot Whales and Orcas. Sharks, barracuda, rays, turtles, giant groupers and Napoleon Wrasse will come very close to divers hooked on to the reef; providing many great photo and video opportunities. Other permanent and unique residents at the Expressway are large schools of Oriental Sweetlips, Palette Surgeon fish and very large Rainbow Runners. How can he resist the chance of taking beautiful photos.
Amber and Charles were fascinated by the beauty they saw underwater. They were exactly like those seen on photographs taken by experience divers. They were so distracted by the picturesque view of the fishes and reef that they didn't realized the current became stronger.
"I think the current is becoming stronger," said Amber in a panic.
"Just a few more pics and we can go," said Charles.
"OK. I'll wait for you on the boat. Make it.." before Amber can finished her sentence, Charles dive back into the water. Amber boarded the boat waited patiently for Charles.
Charles went a few feet deeper to snap some nice photos to surprise Amber. But suddenly, the outgoing current became strong, Charles flew along the wall toward the corner. When he reached the corner, the reef wall drops away to 90 feet, ascending to 45 or 60 feet, he tried to hook on to a rock but the current was too strong. Soon, he found himself caught in a down current. He tried very hard to swim away from the wall and ascent slowly but the current was too strong.
Come back next week to find out what happen to Charles.
