Q&A: JOHN VOLANTHEN We talk to cave diving icon John Volanthen, and find out what initially drew him into cave diving, the challenges of some of his record-breaking cave dives, and what it was like to be involved in the world’s greatest dive rescue PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF JASON BROWN / BARDO CREATIVE
Q: As we normally do with these Q&As, how did you first get into diving, or in your case, cave diving? A: I started caving as a boy in the scouts at the age of 14. On one particular trip in the Mendip Hills, we reached sump two in a cave called Swildons Hole. The trip leader made a point of describing how difficult it would be to pass this 20-footlong flooded section of cave. He described it as ‘virtually impossible’. I decided there and then that I would return to continue through that sump. It took just over ten years, but that moment sparked my interest in cave diving. I simply couldn’t see a reason ‘why not’. Q: Cave diving is considered one of the most-dangerous forms of diving. What is it about cave diving that continually draws you back? A: The reputation cave diving has is perhaps derived from the large number of accidents that occurred to untrained open water divers in Florida in years gone by. Thankfully training and equipment have been vastly improved Although diving in any overhead environment still commands significant respect. I don’t see cave diving as an adrenaline sport, in fact, if you are feeling adrenaline at any moment during a dive, you are doing something very wrong. Accepting the unforgiving nature of the environment, then working to minimize the danger is something I enjoy. I’m a caver first, I’m interested in the cave passage and the challenge of exploration. Every cave is different, it presents different challenges and requires a different approach. I enjoy working out the logistics required, building whatever equipment is needed and then actually executing the plan. I also enjoy the combination of the physical challenge of getting to the water, and the mental challenge of trying to understand the cave and progress. Inside the Thai cave
In the midst of the Thai cave rescue
Q: You, along with a select few others, are the go-to people when it comes to cave rescues. What is it like when you first get that call? A: I try to first understand exactly what the problem is and what is being asked of me. Then I try to take measured actions that are appropriate to the situation, without closing off options. Emotionally, I may want to jump in the car, and just ‘do’ something, but it may be much more appropriate to solve a problem in another way. Feeling responsible, and trying to make good balanced decisions, knowing that the clock is ticking is never easy. Operating as a team gives the opportunity to bounce ideas around and sanity check the actions we’re taking. Q: Talking of cave rescues, we inevitably come on to the Thai cave incident. What was it like being thrust into the limelight of the international media while trying to deal with first, finding the group, and then two, working out how to safely extricate them? A: In Thailand, we ignored the media, with good reason. Our job was to focus on the diving, and subsequently the rescue. I don’t think I quite realised how much the story gripped the world until my return to the UK.
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