Blind group's first dive with trailblazer scuba diver
BBCA group of visually impaired people have gone diving for the first time after being inspired by a blind scuba diver bidding to set a new world record.
Lancashire duo Mohammed Salim Patel and Shaun Gash, who is paraplegic, are aiming to break down barriers and be the first blind person and paraplegic amputee to dive together when they go to Egypt in September.
Ten people who are visually impaired joined Mr Patel on an open water dive at Capernwray Diving Centre in Carnforth, Lancaster.
Latif Lewis said diving had always been on his bucket list but that he "never thought it would be possible", while Usman Zahid said it was "magical" and "one of the best experiences of my life".
The dive was funded by the Primary Club charity, which supports grassroots visually impaired sports in the UK.
Mr Patel, a BBC journalist from Blackburn, said: "They can't see underwater and use the normal sign language that people use under the water, so we have devised with [Mohamed Mokhtar Elazab] - our diving instructor - a tactile way through touch, through feel."
Mr Zahid said his first dive was an "unreal" experience.
He said: "I never thought I would be able to do anything like this. That was honestly one of the best experiences I have ever had.
"It was so magical underneath; swimming with the fish, even touching them and hearing all the sounds."
Hamzah Waheed said he also loved his first scuba dive, adding: "It was fun. I want to go again.
"I don't want to leave now."
Mr Lewis praised Mr Patel for "showing us we can do it".
He said: "It has always been in my bucket list. I always wanted to try this but I never thought it would be possible.
Mr Patel, 30, said it was "very humbling" that the group had "an experience of something they probably never thought they would be able to do".
He said: "You don't need to see to scuba dive. There's so many benefits.
"To hear it was magical and it was the best thing they've ever done - I know it is true because I've experienced it myself.
"That was why I was so eager for others to experience it, too."
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