Canadian diver Molly Carlson becomes first woman to dive from an iceberg

By Dilara Hamit

ANKARA (AA) – Canadian high diver Molly Carlson has become the first woman to dive from a free-standing iceberg, completing a years-long ambition in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Carlson performed the nearly 15-meter (49-foot) backward dive on June 11 from an iceberg off Twillingate in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to a documentary released by Red Bull on Thursday.

The 28-year-old described the feat as both “the scariest thing” she had ever attempted and “the best day” of her life.

Although Carlson has spent years competing in high and cliff diving, the project presented risks far beyond those of a conventional competition. Icebergs can split, collapse, or roll without warning, while the near-freezing water and almost entirely white surroundings made judging distance and orientation more difficult.

“There’s something really powerful about an iceberg,” Carlson said. “You only see the small part above the surface while so much is hidden underneath. I think in many ways the same is true for our anxieties and our fears.”

Carlson prepared for the attempt with veteran Canadian ice climber Will Gadd, who taught her to use crampons and ice tools and to move safely across frozen surfaces.

Her training began on a 10-meter ice wall in Canmore, Alberta, before progressing to more difficult terrain and a final 20-meter climb. She also practiced diving in a wetsuit, gradually working her way up to 15 meters to prepare for the cold Atlantic.

The team later traveled to Newfoundland and surveyed dozens of icebergs around Twillingate. A suitable iceberg needed safe boat access, a climbable surface, a sheer diving edge and a clear landing area.

They eventually selected a free-floating iceberg nicknamed “No Name.” Its movement, surrounding waves, and wind conditions were monitored throughout the operation with support from marine specialists and the Canadian Coast Guard.

Gadd climbed the iceberg first and installed a temporary rope and platform system. Carlson then climbed to the take-off point, removed her crampons and winter clothing and performed the backward dive.

After surfacing, she immediately swam away from the iceberg because of the risk that it could move or break apart.

“You have hard days, you might be anxious, you might be scared, you might have so much fear,” Carlson said. “But at the end of the day, to show yourself that you can do really cool things is really special, so I’m really proud.”