Directly quoted news from Amr Ali the Chairman of HEPCA;
HEPCA would like to thank all diving operators and divers for your support of the ‘Saving the Red Sea Wrecks’ Campaign and our recent efforts to establish a mooring system on the SS Thistlegorm.
We are delighted that so many of you are using the new system and that this action is directly contributing to prolonging the life of this wreck. However, we are disappointed by reports that some safari boats and dive guides continue to moor on the wreck itself. Following the installation of the new mooring system, mooring on the wreck is strictly forbidden and violators will be prosecuted.
After a considerable consultation period with diving operators, boat captains, divers and other specialists, the current mooring system was chosen as the only viable solution. It is not possible at this location for the mooring ropes to reach any further to the surface without compromising safety. Any dive guides who cannot tie a rope at 22m should not be working as a dive guide. Any diver who cannot swim 5m from the rope to the wreck in a current should not be diving on this wreck. There cannot be any compromise.
HEPCA strongly opposed a wreck management plan suggested by the Government as it would have meant a substantial increase in fees and dramatic limitations on diver numbers. We trusted in the conscience and commitment of all Red Sea stakeholders to support our mooring plans as the only acceptable solution to sustaining the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm and our ability to continue diving her.
We urge all diving operators, safari boats and divers to comply with the new regulations for diving the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm and use the mooring system installed.
In total there are 32 mooring lines installed in pairs on each side of the wreck. Sadly some of the new mooring lines have already been cut and damaged due to misuse. The HEPCA team will revisit the SS Thistlegorm next week to attach new shorter lines to prevent skippers dragging the lines to the other side of the wreck.
A diagram can be seen at:
http://www.hepca.com/thistlegorm-mooring-system.aspx
Any previous violations are being considered as due to a lack of awareness and knowledge. Following HEPCA’s distribution of this email, this will no longer be considered a credible excuse.
From 1st February 2008, in coordination with the Chamber of Diving and Watersports, the SSDM and other partners, HEPCA will report all violations and take legal action against all violators.
The next stage of the ‘Saving the Red Sea Wrecks’ Campaign is the installation of a mooring system on the Rosalie Moller, which is scheduled to take place in February 2008. HEPCA remains tolerant, as we understand that this is a long process of public awareness and education. We are constantly assessing both our current work and our future plans and any necessary developments will be undertaken as appropriate.
