6:00 p.m.
The Maldives
The sunlight shimmered on the bright blue waters of the Maldives. It was early evening, about 6:00. The locals from the town nearby called this hour, “The Time of Colors.” It was rightly named as it looked like there were a thousand pieces of gold on the ocean surface and that someone painted the sky in a beautiful array of colors. Orange, red, pink, it couldn’t get any better than this.
“Alright divers, are you ready?” asked Captain Phillips. My dad works for National Geographic as an oceanographer. He’s supposed to take pictures and record different and new species of marine life. He’s kind of like an explorer but under the sea. I was lucky enough to be invited to go on a dive here in the gulf. We were supposed to do he usually does, but I was hoping to find a new species.
“I’m ready alright. Are you ready?” I asked my dad.
He chuckled. “Yep, I’m locked and loaded. You ready for your first dive in the open sea?”
“I have been waiting a long time for this moment.” I exclaimed.
After several months of diving school, I was very excited. This would be my first wild dive. My dad and I put on our breathers and goggles and positioned ourselves on the edge of the boat.
“3,....2,.....1, you are cleared for the dive.” said Captain Phillips.
I let myself fall into the water and I cannot explain what I saw next. It was like a whole ‘nother world down under. Except that this world had so many vibrant colors and life. Schools of tropical fish swam by me and dozens of manta rays glided across the waters. Marine life has always amazed me but this was something else. My dad was taking pictures of several bright orange and red coral. I decided to explore a bit. I went through arches of rock and sand. Turtles swam nearby me looking for food. I could see parrotfish, clownfish, angelfish, and so much more. I even saw a lionfish which looks really cool with its spines but I knew not to touch it as it’s poisonous.
Then, I saw it. The one thing I was hoping to avoid. A whitetip reef shark coming towards my direction. I froze and my eyes opened wide in horror. I knew that this species of shark did not attack humans. They were even used to divers. However, I was still terrified. Anybody would be. I knew the key. Do not provoke it, and you’ll be fine. I just stayed very still and waited for the shark to pass. Luckily, it didn’t even notice me and was just looking for smaller fish.
I let out a big phew. That was close. I turned around and swam towards my dad. I decided to tell him once we got on the boat. The coral reef that he was looking at was a nice sea green. I paused and looked very closely. I realized that two very rare fish were in one coral reef at the same time! That was amazing. I motioned towards him to quickly note them and take their pictures. I couldn’t believe it! It was a red long nose hawkfish and a black striped and spotted oriental sweetlip. I was overjoyed as I helped find two very rare fish. My dad gave me a thumbs up. We both checked our oxygen tank levels and realized we were running low. I gestured to go back up and he nodded. Once we got back on the boat, my dad gave me a pat on the back and was beaming.
“Great job! You actually found two rare endangered species. I tagged both of them so Nat Geo will keep a track.” he said
“Thanks a lot. I also encountered a shark but made sure to let it be.”
“You did? Wow, that’s amazing and you knew what to do. I’m proud of you son.”
Captain Phillips then came out of the cabin. “Well kid, how was it?”
“I will never forget this beauty of a place. It was exhilarating.” I said smiling.
“Ah, it’s a wonder.” the captain said as he started the motor.
As we were going back to the island we were staying at, I felt the setting sun on my face. I knew that diving will always be close to my heart.
