With previous expeditions having multi site and outcome goal, this trip was about focussing on the exciting possibilities revealed at the end of the May 2016 expedition in Anjanamba.

Building on the past investment in the relationship with Chief Fahazoa who had become a good friend to the team, the appropriate ceremonies were performed to appease the cave spirits and grant safe passage. Phillip also asked the Chief to include a request to the spirits that the end of line would not be found.

As the diving commenced and initial survey maps were drawn it became clear that unlike the majority of caves there was no clear directional trend. The formations continued to be unusual in shape, size and colour. At the start of one underwater canyon, two rocks resembled a pair of guardian dragons so of ocourse that passage was christened the evil way!

Depths were consistently averaging around 20m which increases demands on gas consumption and the number of tanks that each diver must carry. As a result, logistics quickly became challenging.

The remoteness and need for a portable generator to run lights, compressors to fill tanks and recharge underwater lighting and equipment was ony the back end of the challenge. Running the generator and the teams transport needed fuel which had to be brought in as well.

In a similar manner to the Malazamanga push Anjanamba was now starting to reach the limits of what could be achieved on open circuit, the depths and distances in all directions starting to max out. Once the team ran out of exploration line, something simply not available in Madagascar, the caves deeper secrets would have to remain until the next trip.