Divers plunge into freezing waters to photograph crystal caves in Russia

When it comes to seelct a destination for their next scuba diving holidays, most scuba divers head to tropical destinations such as the Caribbean, Indian Ocean or Hawaii in the Pacific Ocean.

However, recent photographs taken by a group of brave cave divers have highlighted some breathtaking sites in the depths of Russia, which are likely to entice fearless divers to the region. The team of divers captured the beauty of the longest underwater gypsum crystal cave in the world, which is located in the western Urals region of Russia.

The Orda Cave boasts three miles of natural channels that have been created by crystal-clear waters with rock formations so fragile that even the bubbles from the divers’ breathing equipment could damage the cave’s ceilings.

The expedition was led by the 40-year-old Russian photographer and journalist, Victor Lyagushkin, over a period of six months and involved the team diving in cave tunnels filled with water which barely reaches freezing temperatures.

Mr Lyagushkin explained: “This cave is unique - it is real wonder of nature. But if you want to see Orda cave for yourself, you must be an experienced cave diver. It means few years of hard training, a lot of heavy and expensive equipment. That is why we decided to show pictures to people across the world."

The divers documented their Russian scuba diving holiday trip as part of a project which will raise awareness of Orda Cave’s stunning sights and the fragility of this unexplored underwater world whilst putting it on the map of top scuba diving destinations.

Unlike more exotic scuba diving excursions where divers explore colourful coral gardens in open water, this expedition came with a slightly larger element of danger.

“We do control our risks - before each dive we discuss each moment, to find a solution to any situation we are faced with,” Mr Lyagushkin explained. “If it is too risky, we do not dive. We must be aware of each step, or you will die.”

He added: “But the reward is the possibility to see something beautiful, something that nobody has seen before you. For the millions of years this amazing place has existed water has formed it into a palace while no human was here. To visit this cave gives you a special feeling - I think the same feeling cosmonauts on the Moon have."

The team had to construct an underwater funnel so that their air bubbles would be taken safely to the mouth of the cave and not damage any of the crystal cave walls or ceilings.

“Scientists are interested in the cave but they cannot get there,” Lyagushkin commented. “In this case, cave divers may help them.

 “We took samples of water and silt and minerals in different parts of the cave to help them investigate the processes. If people do not see the underwater world, they do not know its value; they do not understand that it must be protected. We hope they will come to know it better through our photos.”