A diver knelt 100 feet underwater before a looming shipwreck, ring in hand, turning a routine scuba dive into an eternal vow that defied depth and danger.
Story Snapshot
- William Paterson proposed to Kim on April 10, 2023, at 100 feet near Fiji’s MV Salamanda shipwreck.
- Couple from Auckland met in 2021, bonded over diving, married December 2024.
- William tricked Kim into posing, dropped to one knee; GoPro captured her shocked yes.
- They celebrated with champagne; honeymooned diving Maldives with whale sharks.
- Story went viral, boosting Fiji wreck’s romantic allure.
The Proposal Execution at 100 Feet Depth
William Paterson, 37, from Auckland, New Zealand, planned the surprise during a group scuba dive on April 10, 2023. He coordinated with the dive team secretly. At approximately 100 feet near the MV Salamanda shipwreck, William tricked his girlfriend Kim, 32, into posing for a photo before the upright wreck. He then produced the ring and dropped to one knee, breaking seabed contact protocol intentionally. A fellow diver filmed with a GoPro handed off moments before.
Kim reacted with shock, her air consumption spiking from excitement. She accepted amid bubbles and cheers signaled by the group. The couple surfaced safely and celebrated with champagne at their resort. This moment, captured vividly, showcased their shared diving passion forged since meeting in 2021.
MV Salamanda Shipwreck’s Unique Allure
The MV Salamanda rests perfectly upright on Fiji’s sandy seabed, creating a paused-mid-journey illusion. Divers immerse in its structure at depths ideal for experienced pairs like the Patersons. Fiji waters host renowned wreck sites, drawing global enthusiasts. William chose this dramatic backdrop to match their expertise and love for adventure. Experts praise its rare position as striking for immersive dives.
Kim later noted frustration at William touching the seabed, violating no-contact rules to protect marine life. Yet joy overrode protocol breach. Their story highlights how personal milestones integrate with hobbies, aligning with values of commitment through shared trials. Common sense affirms such tailored gestures strengthen bonds enduringly.
Couple’s Journey from Dive Buddies to Spouses
William and Kim met in 2021, quickly bonding over scuba diving. Their relationship deepened through underwater explorations. The 2023 proposal elevated their passion into permanence. They wed in December 2024, honeymooning in the Maldives amid whale sharks and manta rays. Post-wedding, they continue diving actively, proving adventure sustains marriage.
The dive team assisted in setup and filming, turning a routine outing into communal triumph. SWNS reported the viral video, recirculated in 2026 by Fox News and others. No new developments emerged post-wedding, yet the tale endures for its authenticity.
Lasting Ripples on Romance and Tourism
Short-term, the event sparked emotional highs and group celebration; Kim experienced memory lapse from overwhelm. Long-term, it fortified their union, inspiring diving proposals worldwide. Fiji’s MV Salamanda gains indirect visibility, potentially drawing romantics without quantified tourism spikes. Socially, it exemplifies creativity in commitment, resonating with conservative ideals of deliberate, passion-fueled unions.
This underwater kneel transcends novelty, reminding us true proposals embed in life’s core pursuits. For age 40+ divers eyeing legacy moments, it prompts: what depth defines your devotion? Their saga invites revisiting personal protocols for love’s greater waves.
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Diver drops to one knee 100 feet underwater in breathtaking Fiji shipwreck proposal
Diver drops to one knee 100 feet underwater in breathtaking Fiji shipwreck proposal
Man proposes underwater in front of Fiji shipwreck in surprise moment
