Dodecanese Islands, Kalymnos Island-Aegean Sea
Nickolas Gourlas
By Paula F.
He learned this profession from his father. And his father from his father and like this we go back in
time for a few more generations of this brave ‘Sponge divers’ ancient seamen.
Curiously, these divers accomplish a long journey to North Africa to catch this precious product,
which is captured by hand. Now a days it is still considered to be a treasure from the depths.
Every year, Kalymnos, a little Greek Island, famous for it’s ‘Sponge divers’ honors these brave
divers have decreased sharply in number due to the ‘Decompression Sickness’ disease or ‘Bends’.
Bear in mind that, many years ago and before all of the Hi-tech we have now a days, they used to
dive , barely dressed and with just one last breath that accompanied them to the bottom.
Staying underwater for two to three minutes on a single breath; at depths of 30 to 60 meters.
They fear nothing; not the dark, not the depths, not the legendary marine monsters…
By inheriting this culture of heroism, they are proud to be providers in the subsistence economy of
their communities.
Nickolas initiates a yearly excursion casting off for the seas and after approximately five months of
hard work he returns to the island. He and his mates will be received by the islanders with all the
honors as if they were heroes that have returned unharmed, from battle.
“If you want to take too much from the depths, you pay the price”.
More and more time at sea, further away and harder to find. These have been some of the
consequences of the rise of sea sponges.
Meanwhile, visiting the home of Nickolas and his family, I am able to see the small factory where
this marine treasure is carefully taken care of, as if it were a precious treasure. Gently processed to
retain all of its properties.
Noma, his sister, tells, me with a twinkle in her eyes; how proud she feels of being part of this
family and its tradition.
With a sad look on account knowing that it is almost for a new crossing and several members of her
family will leave in that little boat. But with a sincere smile she assures me that although it is hard
work, long nights awaiting their return she would not change it for anything in the world.