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DIVE TRAVEL NEWS

Tsunami Information
Last updated: Saturday, 10-Dec-2005 08:59:37 GMT

Map Courtesy of Worldmap

Diving tourists were among the first people on site at the time of the Tsunami and have been amongst the first to venture back to some of the worst hit areas. The coastal communities, local diver tourist industry and dive clubs need help in getting their operations running again and the BSAC has responded by providing an information exchange on its website.

"This area has some of the best diving in the world - we feel we have a duty to make it easy for divers to get information and to encourage them to return to their favourite resorts," said BSAC Operations Manager, Mary Tetley.

'Our belief is that by simply continuing to visit the region, divers can best contribute financially and improve understanding of how we can help local communities piece their lives back together Many people are still be worried about conditions in some of the affected areas. We want to be able to give them credible information from other visitors in order that we can encourage an early return to these regions that have always welcomed divers into their communities.

'We want travelling divers to exchange information on which areas are suitable for travel and how, in some cases we may even be able to help.' BSAC vice chairman Marcus Allen explained. 'Divers are likely to receive valuable feedback from local people and dive industry professionals and we can provide a home for this information to help the wider diving community make an informed choice about the places they visit.

'Our ultimate aim is to encourage diver tourism to help revitalise the economy in the countries affected by the tsunami'.

Please follow the links below to find the latest situation in the area that you are visiting. Please be aware that in many areas resorts are fully open and the overwhelming message from returning holidaymakers and from locals is that the best way travellers can help the recovery efforts is to keep visiting. Most of the areas affected by the tsunami depend almost totally on tourism and local people are desperate for tourists not to turn away at this time. The good news seems to be that the reefs are undamaged and because inevitably many people have cancelled their holidays, resorts are quieter and therefore more idyllic than usual. Please consider whether your relief money would be best placed directly into the hands of local hotel, restaurant and dive industry workers.

Thailand

Chris Mitchell has written to us (Feb 2005) "Khao Lak, the town nearest the Similan Islands whose beachfront hotels were wholly destroyed, has also reopened. The main road there was however pretty much untouched and restaurants, dive shops etc are open again. Unfortunately, some travel agents are still saying it's not safe to go there. This is simply not true. There are still a lot of hotel rooms available - admittedly not directly on the beach - and the diving in the Similans is still fantastic. I was there a couple of days ago and we saw 3 manta rays in the space of four days."

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka was particularly badly hit by the tsunami but hotels tourist facilities have bounced back and are now welcoming guests. The Sri Lankan authorities have set up a dedicated website to give the latest information on the disaster.
http://www.contactsrilanka.org/

Martin O'Carroll, Chairman of BSAC 1666, "High Altitude Divers" in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia has just returned from a diving trip to Sri Lanka. He reports the reefs are as healthy and full of life as ever - read his full report and see his underwater photographs here .

Maldives

The authorities report that out of the 87 resorts, most are now operational. Some resorts have taken the opportunity of closure due to tsunami damage to fully renovate their facilities. Most will be open by December 2005. Tourists are visiting the islands and being much welcomed by those who depend on the industry for their living. Divers report that the reefs are undamaged and that visibility is very good.
The Government of the Maldives have set up the following dedicated update area:
http://www.visitmaldives.com.mv/mu/

Divers Say:

"I've just spoken to a colleague (non-diver) whose resort island in Meemu Atoll was inundated, about a week before planned departure. The operator offered the sister resort in Ari Atoll as substitute, which she is delighted (now) that they accepted. Immediately before going, she was somewhat fearful of what she would meet. However, she and her husband had a wonderful time in a completely unaffected resort with only 30% occupancy and flights less than half full. The message seems to be that the Maldives government will not compromise future tourism by permitting sub-standard offerings at this crucial time."
Mike Halligan

"I returned last Thursday from a one week dive trip to Bandos Island Resort (North Male Atoll). I take a group of divers there every year from the Middle East. The diving was as good as ever or better in the opinion of some of my regular trip members. We had one of our best manta dives (12 feet max on the reef top at Rasfari Tilla - 60 minutes of mantas going around and overhead)) and one of the best shark dives ever (gray reef sharks at 80 feet feeding in the current at Voshimas Tilla). All the usual marine life was seen. Water temperature was mostly 28°C, down to 27°C a couple of times. Best flights ever - slept on 4 seats going out and arrived rested for a change. Resort staff were great. They need the tourists to come to recover from the economic blow suffered on December 26 when 20 of the 86 or so resorts had to close. One of the staff on our island said his home island had 2 metres of water covering it when the tsunami arrived and all houses were destroyed and possessions washed away, leaving 3 to 15 cms mud. Fortunately no-one on that island died. I recommend going there ASAP while the travel bargains last and the planes are empty."
Colin Knight

Brian Rayner visited Meerufenfushi in February and has filed a trip report with pictures. Read it Here

Malaysia
Authorities report that the situation is very much under control and that Malaysia remains a safe destination for tourists, hotels and airports are all open.

Indonesia
The northern areas of Aceh and Sumatra were devastated by the tsunami and much of the infrastructure has been totally destroyed along with many, many thousands of lives. Bali and Lombok remains unaffected. The latest advice from the British Foreign Office can be found at: this site

Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Some hotels and diving resorts are open. Travel may be difficult however. Consult your travel agent for latest advice.

Divernet Resort Update
Divernet have a page detailing the status of various dive resorts in the affected areas. Check your resort here: Divernet Post Tsunami Dive Centre Operational Status

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