Thieves Steal Items at BTS Show.

A variety of items go missing from booths at Beneath the Sea.

By Travis Ball

Beneath the Sea is the largest consumer scuba and dive travel show in America.  Amongst the seminars and workshops on offer is a massive expo hall filled with exhibitors displaying scuba equipment, information on resorts and destinations, and underwater photography gear.  Bluewater Photo attended this year with plenty of gear for Beneath the Sea attendees to try out and experience hands on.  This year, however, they unintentionally left with less than they came with, and were not the only ones.

Out the emergency exit...

Of course, any exhibitor going to a show knows to keep a close eye on the demonstration gear, but there has generally never been an issue of this magnitude within the dive travel community.  Security was aware of the issue by Saturday night and gave a warning Sunday morning .  Even with three staff members diligently keeping an eye out, the Bluewater Photo store had their Sola Nightsea stolen Sunday afternoon. 

Multiple Thefts...

Security said a total of 4 or 5 booths had Sola lights stolen, including one from the Light & Motion booth, one from Bluewater Photo & Backscatter, and a 4-inch glass dome from the Aquatica booth.  The lights included 2 Sola 2000 lights, and one or two Sola Nightseas. All of the Sola lights were taken without chargers and we’d like to spread the word to keep an eye out for anyone looking to purchase chargers without the lights, or selling lights without chargers.  If you see a suspicious Ebay posting or otherwise have information that might help, please let us know. 

Email travis@uwphotographyguide.com if you have a story of items being stolen at a dive show or at the show from this weekend.

This Sola Nightsea light was one of the lights targeted at the BTS show.

About the Author

Travis Ball is a travel blogger and underwater photographer who recently finished 30 straight months of travel before taking a full time job at the Underwater Photography Guide as editor. He believes everyone should enrich their lives with travel and all the experiences it has to offer. His photography and writing can also be seen at his blog http://flashpackerHQ.com. 

Where to Buy

Please support the Underwater Photography Guide by purchasing your underwater photography gear through our sister site, Bluewater Photo & Video. Click, or call them at (310) 633-5052 for expert advice!