Underwater caves being mapped out in Hernando County

Monday, July 2, 2007

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Divers have mapped out thousands of feet of the under cave in Weeki Wachee Springs.

More people have been on the surface of the moon than inside of Weeki Wachee Spring's vast network of underwater caves.

At least according to the divers who are exploring the caves in Hernando County.

The exploration into the caves mark the first time a team of divers have been able to map the caves. A non-profit organization, Karst Underwater Research is handling the project.

"We look at each other underwater and we're just like, our eyes, you can see it in our eyes,'' said project director Jeff Peterson. "We're just like, on my God, can you believe we're really getting to see this for the first time.''

Previously, the cave's have been out of reach because the millions of gallons of water rush out of the cave's opening, just the size of a small doorway, making it impossible to get through. Divers said it was akin to trying to swim up a fire hose.

Never Before Seen

Weeki Wachee caves

But recent drops in the water flow due to the drought conditions have made the opening passable. The dive team had to receive special permission due to the extreme danger of this type of diving.

But the diving team of 14 said it has been worth it.

At about 250 feet underwater, the team has so far mapped out thousands of feet of the cave. Peterson said the group of divers have come across underwater caverns the size of football stadiums.

"You have this single ray of light that you slowly pan around and you can just see pieces of the room,'' said Peterson. "And your mind slowly pieces together that room as your light looks around it.''