The "Caledonian Sky" has damaged about 18,900 square metres of coral reef in Raja Ampat, one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on Earth and a favourite with intrepid travellers and divers due to its palm-fringed islands, coral and fish, increasing the estimate of the devastation caused when the vessel ran aground. The "Caledonian Sky" smashed into the reefs at low tide around Kri, one of hundreds of small islands in Raja Ampat, after taking tourists on a bird-watching expedition. The boat, which was carrying 102 passengers and 79 crew, was grounded on the reefs and only refloated later on a high tide. Numerous attempts to free it using a tug failed, causing further damage to the corals. An assessment led by a local university had estimated the damage from the March 4 accident at 13,500 square metres. But after a survey involving marine researchers, government and the insurers, authorities announced that 18,882 square metres of corals had been affected. The Indonesian government was still calculating the financial impact of the accident, and it would be announced early April. The company and the insurers are committed to paying compensation. The incident in West Papua province infuriated the government, who last week summoned the British ambassador to protest, while local residents believed it would impact the tourism industry and the livelihoods of fishermen. Noble Caledonia has apologised for the accident and they were working to reach a settlement with the government.
ACCIDENTS
23 March 2017 - 14:00
Update: 23 March 2017 - 22:42
Damage caused to coral reef increased
Damage caused to coral reef increased
ACCIDENTS
23 March 2017 - 14:00
Update: 23 March 2017 - 22:42
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