Sipadan and Kapalai. May 2003. Page 2

The Turtle Tomb.

This huge cave and tunnel system is famous for the turtle skeletons found in it.

The opening of the cave is at 20 metres and is larger than I had expected - about 25 metres wide and 4 metres high. Turtles find their way in easily but they can swim so deep into the tunnel that they can no longer see daylight. Without daylight, the turtles cannot find their way out and drown.

This warning sign at the entrance to the cave has been set up because in separate incidents, two divers also died. Both had no air left in their tanks.

Turtle. Fast asleep.

Turtle.

Turtle with one remoras fish attached.

Turtle with two remoras attached.

White Tip Reef Shark.

This shark appears to be unusually fat. Possibly pregnant?

White Tip Reef Shark.

A more typical skinny specimen.

White Tip Reef Shark.

White Tip Reef Sharks.

This is how these sharks like to spend the day - lying on the sand. When divers approach they will swim off, but after the annoyance has passed by, they will often return to the same spot.

These 4 were off to the left of the main channel at Barracuda Point. As most divers drift through the centre of the main channel, these sharks were probably looking for some peace and quiet.

Reef scene.

Reef scene.

Sponge on wall.

Hole in wall.