Did Arthur C. Clarke Have Any Scuba Diving Adventures in Sri Lanka?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around Arthur C. Clarke's experiences and potential scuba diving adventures in Sri Lanka, particularly in the context of the tsunami that occurred in December 2004. Participants explore various aspects of his life, including his health, professional engagements, and the implications of being underwater during a tsunami.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention Clarke's residence in Sri Lanka and his fondness for scuba diving.
  • There is speculation about Clarke's fate following the tsunami, with one participant suggesting he was swept away.
  • Another participant questions the timeline of Clarke's works, noting that "Time's Eye" was published after January 1, 2000.
  • Concerns are raised about Clarke's involvement in consulting for the film "The Core," with mixed reactions regarding its implications for his reputation.
  • Participants discuss the safety of scuba diving during a tsunami, with conflicting views on whether being underwater would provide any protection.
  • Some argue that the tsunami's behavior would not be safe for divers, while others suggest that deep water diving might mitigate risks.
  • References are made to reports of divers experiencing the tsunami, with links provided to news articles discussing the event.
  • There are mentions of allegations against Clarke, with some participants expressing uncertainty about their validity and others providing links to counterclaims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on Clarke's potential scuba diving experiences during the tsunami, with no consensus on whether diving would be safe or not. There is also disagreement regarding the implications of his consulting work and the allegations against him.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various sources and personal opinions, leading to a discussion that includes speculative elements and differing interpretations of events. The conversation reflects uncertainty about the safety of scuba diving during a tsunami and the impact of external factors on divers.

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You guys know what happened to A.C Clarke, he used to live in Sri Lanka in a big house right on the beach? east or west coast of Sri Lanka don't really know.
I remember also he was very fond of scuba diving, OOPS! :bugeye:
 
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Since he last let the world hear from him was on Jan 1, 2000, that's sufficient proof he was swept away by a tsunami some time later.

Or what?
 
Jan 1 2000? Didn't "Time's Eye" come out after that?
 
I'm pretty sure he consulted on a recent (awful) sci-fi movie. "The Core" perhaps?
 
He really has sunk low if he actually did consulting work on "The Core".

I'm deeply shocked by this, I've always respected Clarke, but if he really did such a crime, he deserves to be TSUNAMIED!
 
Hey ! Arlindo ! everyone needs money.
If he were to be scubadiving during that wave coming on shore would he be safe there underwater?
 
Eeh, since the tsunami essentially propagates along the sea bottom at immense velocity, and suddenly rears its monstrous head when reaching shallow waters, it wouldn't help you a lot to be at the bottom of the ocean.
 
I think you are wrong, my guess is that underwater one will hardly notice any big disturbance.
 
Not if the water you're in happens to be lifted with an incredible force so strong that it doesn't matter if you can swim or not and you're either crashed into something solid or dragged out to sea unless you can grab ahold of something first...
 
  • #10
I am concerned about Clarke. The last time that I saw him he looked quite old and frail. If he is caught in the middle of this, if he survived, it could be a real nightmare for him right now. Of course, knowing Clarke, he probably planned for such an event.
 
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  • #11
arildno said:
Eeh, since the tsunami essentially propagates along the sea bottom at immense velocity, and suddenly rears its monstrous head when reaching shallow waters, it wouldn't help you a lot to be at the bottom of the ocean.

I reckon it would help a bit. Its damn hard to drown when wearing an air tank and breathing apperatus.
 
  • #12
  • #13
Cool! thanks Evo.
 
  • #15
arildno said:
He really has sunk low if he actually did consulting work on "The Core".

I'm deeply shocked by this, I've always respected Clarke, but if he really did such a crime, he deserves to be TSUNAMIED!
Well, a quick search of IMDB.com shows nothing, so maybe I heard wrong. :confused:
 
  • #16
Thanks, Evo, for the link.

And, since Clarke doesn't appear to have worked with the awful "The Core", I can sigh in relief that he actually did survive..

To end my rather inappropriate jesting; it is a truly awful tragedy, and Clarke seems (from the link) to be in a personal nightmare where several employees&friends are still unaccounted for.
 
  • #17
arildno said:
He really has sunk low if he actually did consulting work on "The Core".

I'm deeply shocked by this, I've always respected Clarke, but if he really did such a crime, he deserves to be TSUNAMIED!

My respect for Clark took a sharp downturn when I heard about the pedophilia accusations. But I don't think they were ever substantiated (were they?), so right now, my opinion of him is being held in abeyance. Were the charges shown to be baseless ?
 
  • #19
arildno said:
Eeh, since the tsunami essentially propagates along the sea bottom at immense velocity, and suddenly rears its monstrous head when reaching shallow waters, it wouldn't help you a lot to be at the bottom of the ocean.


Not True! Apparently someone was scuba diving while it happened. check it out:

http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/29/tsunami.diver/index.html
 
  • #20
I heard that in Thailand hundreds of scuba divers got crushed against rocks, cliffs and coral. Didnt help them much.
 
  • #21
If you're diving in reasonably deep water, nothing much will happen to you. The amplitude of the compression wave is not sufficient to hurt you, especially if you're far from the hypocenter. But the density variation resulting from this could push you up or down.

If you are diving in shallow waters near the shore, you will feel momentum transfer from the current-like effects of the lateral movement of water over land. (too many prepositions ?). This would feel a little like trying to scuba dive under fast-moving rapids.
 
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