Since the 1993 civil war in Yugoslavia, relations between ex-Yugoslavian countries have been tense. But a group of disabled divers who lost their limbs in the war has turned their experience into a story of empowerment, overcoming boundaries and reconnecting with people from neighbouring countries. In the small city of Lukavac in Bosnia and Herzegovina, surrounded by coal mines and a few lakes, live two friends who are connected by the same passions: diving and underwater photography. Both of them were victims of the war in Yugoslavia – Bilal lost his leg and Elvir his hand. Today Bilal and Elvir have a diving club that so far has attracted around twenty, mostly younger, members. They use their skills to help rescue services find missing people, evacuate during floods and assist underwater clean-up missions. Diving has helped them both rebuild bridges that others have burned.
Read the full story on oceanographic.