Egyptian scuba diver Walaa Hafez set a new Guinness World Record for the longest open saltwater scuba dive, staying down for a total of 51 hours and 20 minutes.

The event was held at Sharm El Naga Resort, Red Sea, Egypt and commenced on 4th June 2015 during the International Red Sea Festival for diving & swimming.

The dive took place at a depth of around 10 meters (33 feet) with a water temperature of 22˚C (about 72 degrees F).

Essam R. Mohran the owner of Scuba Online took an active part in supporting the event.

Walaa was inspired by the Egyptian champion Ahmed Gabr, who achieved 332.35 meters depth and emerged out of the water in 13 hours 15 minutes to complete the world’s Deepest Scuba Dive in September 2014.

Even with the shallow depth of 10 meters, the dive time of more than 55 hours required extensive and a complex decompression plan. Hafez also battled potential hypothermia, using both a dry suit as well as a battery-powered heating system to stay warm. A very carefully planned and timed diet of liquid food and drinks maintained his energy levels as well as kept his blood chemistry stable.

By completing the dive, Walaa beat the previous world record which was set by the American Allen Sherrod in 2014, standing at 51 hours and 4 minutes.

Walaa Hafez is 36 years old, an IDEA Master Instructor, and as well a self-defense instructor. He was a navy officer who retired early due to a serious injury. Though, following the increasing terrorism of maritime piracy in Somalia, Abbas went to Poland to train on how to secure ships against piracy Currently, he works as a guide at the Suez Canal. 

In addition to entering yet another Egyptian into the Guinness World Records, Hafez also wants to promote tourism to Egypt and “send a message of security to the world”. Hafez hopes to “motivate Egyptian youth to use their skills, imagination and abilities to flourish in their own country.”