Stephen Keenan

Stephen Keenan was a prominent Irish freediving safety diver and co-founder of Dahab Freedivers. Renowned for his exceptional skills, he set multiple Irish national freediving records and served as Chief of Safety at prestigious events, including the Vertical Blue Freediving Competitions.

Tragically, in 2017, Keenan lost his life while attempting a rescue in Dahab’s Blue Hole, where he sought to assist fellow freediver Alessia Zecchini, who was submerged at a depth of 50 meters. This incident marked a somber moment in the freediving community, as it was the first documented fatality of a safety diver during an active rescue attempt.

Before this heartbreaking event, Keenan had already established himself as a hero in the sport, having successfully rescued celebrated freediver Alexey Molchanov from a depth of 40 meters, showcasing his bravery and expertise even in life-threatening situations. His contributions and dedication to freediving earned him recognition as one of the leading safety divers globally.

Keenan’s legacy lives on within the freediving community, where he is remembered not only for his remarkable achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others in the sport he loved.