A Guinness Book of Records dive took place in Reunion last Sunday when 110 divers undertook their world record dive off the coastal town of Saint – Leu, where underwater they linked up to form the largest “chain” of humans underwater.

This joint initiative between Reunion Tourism and the GPP brought together 110 divers of the ages between 18 and 82. The world record breaking feat of holding hands underwater, which lasted 5 minutes and 12 seconds, was witnessed by 2 Guinness Book of Records appointed witnesses, 6 photographers who filmed the entire exercise, 10 rescue divers and a further 10 monitors, making sure all went well. The divers went out to sea in a flotilla of 13 boats with the local media in tow to document the historic dive.

Reunion is known for some spectacular underwater scenery and diving is the second most important tourist activity on the island.

All participants are now awaiting the formal recognition by the Guinness Book of Records as the monitors and GBR appointed witnesses of the dive have filed their confirmation reports, but there is no doubt that Reunion Tourism now has a new feather in their cap of things to tell prospective visitors.

Reunion is one of the 7 Vanilla Islands which have joined hands to promote tourism to these Indian Ocean islands. Part of France does Reunion offer European infrastructure and service levels blended with the rich Creole history and background of the island’s population, making it a unique destination among its Vanilla Island peers like Madagascar, Mayotte, Comoros, Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives. The island’s own home airline, Air Austral, connects Reunion to a number of regional and international destinations including 12 flights a week to Paris. Visit www.reunion.fr for more information on the tourism attractions, how to get there and where to stay.