As you should be aware of, for the last months we have
sighted not one whale shark around the island of Mahe. It is a first since the
start of the monitoring program – 1997. Though it has its scientific value it
has been really bad for all parties concerned. No whale sharks, no eco-tourism
tours. No eco-tourism tours, no research funds. As if things couldn't get worse,
yesterday morning we hear the dreadful news – the Underwater Centre has burned
down! Yes. Right down to the ground – there is absolutely nothing left. We are
talking diving equipment, dive computers, BC’s, weight belts, tanks,
compressors, paper records, personal gear from customers (Not to mention the
whole of the Aqua-firma’ dive group who is here for a week of whale sharking
and diving – all personal gear gone, up in smoke – if I can use such a cheesy
metaphor at a time like this.) I believe there are two dive tanks that did not
explode – the only things that survived the furnace. The cause, would you
believe, the pizza joint next door. They left the electric pizza oven on all
night and with the building consisting of thatch roofing, well…
As you can all imagine things are a bit rough and out of
joint at the moment. The paperwork and insurances set to probably play on for
many months if not years. And in the meantime people’s livelihoods are on the
line.
For now, the MCSS is continuing with the monitoring program
and have arranged gear to do eco whale shark encounters, in the event we get
these elusive spotty creatures. Of course, we are all pretty down considering.
Fire can be a destructive force of more than materialistic things…
For our comfort, wish you where here!
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