The ocean is stunning as it is terrifying. Underwater Photographer of the year contest awards those who use their creative skills to capture the stunning beauty of ocean and marine life. The winners of this year contents have been announced, photographers from 63 countries submitted over 5,000 photos in 11 categories.

German photographer, Tobias Friedrich, won the grand prize for his photograph ‘Cycle – War’ which shows a panoramic view of the shipwrecked SS Thistlegorm, stocked with rows of 16H motorbikes loaded into Fordson WOT 3 trucks.

British Waters Compact Category: “Peek-A-Boo!” By Martin Edser, UK

“It’s always fun to dive with and photograph seals but this encounter was extra special. I had not seen any on this dive probably because it was late afternoon and they were enjoying a sensible nap on shore. I was beginning to lose hope when out of nowhere a head popped up out of the kelp and gave me an inquisitive stare. It disappeared again as quickly as it appeared only for the head to pop up again a few moments later in what I can only describe as a game of ‘Peek-a boo’! The water was murky and flash was not really an option, but we were shallow and it was a bright afternoon so anticipating where the head was likely to appear and using a wide aperture and as fast shutter speed as I could, allowed me to capture this memorable experience and the face of my playmate.” Continue reading »