Dear friends and fellow divers,

I’m reaching out to our incredible diving community to ask for your support in helping two of our members and dear friends, Peter Gaertner and Manuela Shoch from Germany, recover from a heartbreaking loss that occurred over the New Year.

Let’s Make It Possible Together

The diving community has always been more than just a network—it’s a family. Let’s show that even in the face of adversity, we stand together.

To help Manu and Peter get back in the water, we’ve started a fundraiser through GoFundMe for them, where any donation—no matter the size—can make a meaningful difference.

This Is Their Story

“Over the New Year, while preparing for our annual cave diving week in the Lot, our car was stolen in Bordeaux. Packed with all our diving equipment—suits, scooters, rebreathers, bottles, regulators, and even our camera gear—the theft left us with nothing but our wallets and phones.

This incident not only disrupted our plans but also forced us to consider if we could ever return to the passion we’ve dedicated so much of our lives to. However, the incredible outpouring of emotional support from the diving community reminded us that we are not alone. Calls, messages, and even donated equipment have been a lifeline in this difficult time.”

How You Can Help

Manu and Peter are starting from scratch, prioritizing basic gear to dive safely again. While it will take time to recover fully, every bit of support will help them move closer to doing what they love most.

Here’s how you can help:

• Make a donation through GoFundMe

• Share this story within your networks.

• Contribute equipment or resources to help them rebuild.

Every contribution, no matter how small, brings them closer to getting back underwater.

Thank you for your kindness and support.

Warm regards,

JP Bresser

Founder of GUE NL Community