From Mexico comes the story of a heroic diving instructor, who was injured in the process of saving a group he was leading.

Manolo Acuña Zepeda, a beloved and experienced divemaster in Cozumel, risked his life to save a group of divers from an oncoming speed boat illegally operating over Yucab Reef.

This beautiful reef is typically done as a second dive following a deeper dive, and is of intermediate experience. The trick is to remain calm and allow yourself to drift in the strong current to reduce your oxygen consumption rate.

On July 25th, Zepeda was leading a dive over Yucab when he saw a speedboat, in the area illegally, coming right for his group. He heroically pushed his divers out of the path, but was struck and severely injured by the boat’s propellers.

A GoFundMe set up by fellow diver John Flynn of Sand Dollar Sports, said that his colleague faces a long, painful recovery, as the propeller broke his leg. The medical costs were to be substantial in Cozumel International Hospital.

The response from the dive community has been immense, with the GoFundMe receiving 92% of the needed funds to cover all medical and rehab costs.

He underwent his first surgery to stabilize a compound fracture in his right tibia in late August, and then another to repair his broken fibula.

He lost a significant amount of blood and, despite multiple transfusions, his hemoglobin remained dangerously low in advance of the second surgery. Blood donations from the dive community covered the deficit.

GREAT GOFUNDMES:

On August 8th, Zepeda was discharged from the hospital, with bones capable of healing on them own, and hyperbaric treatments to help speed him along.

“Manolo will begin physical therapy and respiratory therapy shortly after discharge,” Flynn wrote in an August 7th update. “An at-home nurse will visit regularly to assist with his care. His family had to rent another house to accommodate his wheelchair.”

Almost $50,000 was raised for the medical bills, ensuring that Zepeda will enjoy his favorite activity once again.

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