Shaffan Rasheed

Shaffan Rasheed was the first non-Greek to join the Alchemy Spearfishing team. He tragically passed away in September 2020 while doing what he loved most. He will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Shaffan began spearfishing in 2013 at the age of eighteen. At the time, it was simply a way to enjoy the holidays with friends. They had no GoPros or fancy gear, just a few handmade pole spears and a love for the ocean. It was all about who could dive the deepest or catch the biggest fish. From hunting octopus in the shallows to chasing larger fish offshore, this is how Shaffan fell in love with the sea and the sport.

In 2016, he completed his first freediving course and became a certified SSI Level 1 freediver. By then, he was in the water nearly five days a week. His skills with the pole spear had become exceptional, and he began using spearguns as well. His favorite target was the Bluefin Trevally, or Fani Handhi in the Maldivian language. In the early days, it was a difficult fish to land, which made it all the more rewarding.

To Shaffan, spearfishing was never just about shooting fish. It was about discipline, learning through experience, and applying that knowledge with precision and care.

He once said, “The best part about spearfishing is being able to share the catch with my friends and family. I hope to pass on my knowledge and the lessons learned about this beautiful sport to many generations to come.”