MANILA, Philippines (22 Jan 2004) -- Scuba World Inc, the PADI 5-Star IDC center and DAN business partner that owns and operates the ill-fated M/V Island Explorer scuba diving liveaboard, also owns and operates the Palau-based Big Blue Explorer, another liveaboard that faces criminal charges after damaging coral reefs. Early last year, Big Blue Explorer, a converted Japanese communications vessel, ran aground causing widespread damage to coral reefs at German Channel, one of Palau's most popular dive sites. That accident is still under investigation but Palau government officials told CDNN that criminal charges are expected to be filed against Scuba World Inc. More recently in the Philippines, M/V Island Explorer, a converted Japanese fishing vessel, ran aground on Apo Reef and has been leaking fuel oil into the renowned marine reserve for more than a month. When the accident occurred, 11 crew and 26 passengers were safely rescued. Lawyers investigating the accident have stated that the liveaboard was operating illegally because it is not certified to carry 26 passengers. According to conservation activists in the Philippines, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ignored the oil spill and should be held liable along with Scuba World Inc. "The DENR could have compelled Juan Lee (Scuba World Inc owner) to immediately remove his ship and prevent the oil spill," lawyer Marie Yuvienco of the Public Interest Law Center (PILC) told reporters. "The problem is that they didn't do anything." Yuvienco also cited multiple accidents involving Scuba World Inc boats as evidence that owner Juan Lee is a habitual delinquent operator of passenger vessels and should have his license revoked. "If that (the Palau accident) is the case, he (Lee) should not be allowed to operate shipping lines anymore. Instead of ensuring maritime safety, he seems to have been showing a bad record on how to care for the environment," she stressed. | | Big Blue Explorer: Another Scuba World liveaboard facing criminal charges for damaging coral reefs. Lee and Scuba World Inc officials deny that Island Explorer was carrying more than its legal limit of guests and describe the fuel oil as "highly biodegradable". As evidence of its professionalism, Scuba World, which certifies some 1500 divers annually, cites its status as a PADI 5 Star IDC Center, DEMA member and DAN business partner, as well as an accredited member of the Department of Tourism, Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation, Philippine Tourism Authority, Philippine Commission on Sports Scuba Diving, Philippine Tour Operators Association and the Palau Visitors Authority. But Cyber Diver Society (CDS) president Evan T. Allard dismissed Scuba World's rhetoric as too little too late. "Well over a month after running aground and abandoning a heavy displacement liveaboard vessel containing environmentally hazardous materials that are gradually destroying the very marine reserve that has enriched the company, Scuba World now wants us to look the other way because the leaking fuel oil is 'biodegradable' and the vessel would make a good artificial reef?" asked Allard. "So much for the notion the dive industry is not a primary cause of damage to coral reefs." © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
