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Heroic freediver dies helping woman in notorious underwater tunnel

A heroic freediver has died while trying to help a female diver negotiate her way through a notorious underwater tunnel.

Stephen Keenan and the unnamed woman were attempting to complete a dive through the Arch of Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt when something went fatally wrong.

It’s believed the 39-year-old experienced freediver suffered an in-water blackout after successfully providing safety assistance for the female diver, 185 ft below the surface.

His death is far from isolated, with the treacherous stretch claiming the lives of as many as 130 people over the past 15 years.

Stephen Keenan died while helping a female diver through a notoriously dangerous spot.
Stephen Keenan died while helping a female diver through a notoriously dangerous spot.
Mr Keenan had been a professional diver since 2009. Source: Publicity Picture
Mr Keenan had been a professional diver since 2009. Source: Publicity Picture

The Dublin man was a well-respected qualified freediver who coached hundreds of divers across Egypt, Spain and the Philippines.

What went so fatally wrong inside that tunnel may never be known, however those close to the diving pro said he made a serious impact on everyone he met.

“It's very rare to meet someone who truly lives life to the full. Steve was one of those people," a past pupil wrote on Facebook.

Friends and pupils paid tribute to the beloved 39-year-old. Source: Facebook
Friends and pupils paid tribute to the beloved 39-year-old. Source: Facebook

"Typical that he lost his life trying to save someone else.

"Thoughts are with you all."

A Facebook page for freedivers in Dahab asked for respect in the coming days, as members of the group come to terms with his passing.