Faux Cap, Madagascar – Toxic waste from a ship which went down off the coast in southern Madagascar in August has had severe impacts on the health of local people and on the rich coastal and marine environment, according to a study supported by WWF.

The Turkish vessel Gulser Ana grounded near Faux Cap in the very south of Madagascar The ship carried 39000 tons of raw Phosphates, 568 tons of fuel, 66 tons of diesel and 8000 litres of lubricant, most of which was slowly released into the Indian Ocean. The accident occurred in a whale reproduction and migratory corridor zone during the migratory season.

The report, co-funded by WWF was prepared by an interdisciplinary team of eight scientists which went to Faux Cap shortly after the accident.

While one to three whales normally beach in the area each year, nine whales beached in September alone, and some beach stretches seem to be real death zones, the report found., Villagers suffer from diseases such as respiratory problems, skin diseases and diarrhoea.

“WWF is very concerned about the possible negative impacts on biodiversity especially marine and coastal species, the threats to the ecosystems and the loss of people’s livelihood options. That’s why we decided to fund this mission,” said Harifidy Olivier Ralison, WWF Western Indian Ocean Marine Programme Coordinator.

Oil clumps cover the beach 30 km to the east and even further to the west of the shipwreck. People who were hired to clean up the area are not equipped properly and lack clothes protecting them. The collected oil clumps land in plastic bags on the beach where they are
likely to burst and cause further damage, the report founds.

Almost half the 40′000 people in the area have been affected by consequences of the shipwreck, the study found with a key impact being the banning of fishing for three months.
Some 25 to 40 percent of the inhabitants depend on fishery as their source of income.

The impacts on marine species are also tragic.

« Like human beings, whales suffer from respiratory problems due to diesel odour. They come to the surface from time to time to breathe, so if they happen to surface through an oil film, this might result in the animal’s death,” Yvette Razafindrakoto, WCS (spell out) marine mammal specialist said.

Although raw phosphate is not poisonous, a huge amount of it being suddenly released into the ocean can be problematic. The expert team found signs of eutrophication in front of the shipwreck. « Phosphate acts like fertilizer, which leads to an extensive algal bloom. This depletes the oxygen in the surrounding marine environment and could cause the disappearance of species such as fish and molluscs» said Ralison.

Some common species of sand crabs were also only found sporadically and other species, such as various gastropods contained a very high amount of heavy metal, which is connected to higher mortality.

There are signs that the food chain in the area around Faux Cap is severely harmed. What this means for the coastal ecosystem and the villagers on the contaminated beaches can only be definitively estimated after the passage of some years, the report said.

For more information please contact:

Martina Lippuner, +261 20 22 348 85, mlippuner@wwf.mg

Similan Islands have been listed as one of the top 10 diving destinations in the world. It’s limited season of November to March gives teh national diving park a chance to recover creates an abundance of marine life seldom seen anywhere else.

Last season we did quite well with only one speed boat, we did day trips to and from various islands in the similans. But there was one thing missing, a live-aboard. After months of shopping around we powers that be found the perfect vessel; The MV Pawara which is a luxury live-aboard based in Khao Lak.

The MV Pawara is 32m or 105ft in length, and built of steel making her one of the largest live-aboards plying the western Indian Ocean. She takes a total of 20 divers in 10 air conditioned cabins on regular departures, but some of her cabins are large enough to accommodate more than this on special request. She has two types of cabins deluxe and standard, and both types are air conditioned, have twin beds and en suite bathroom arrangements.

Probably the boat’s finest features are three: One, her huge interior saloon which seats everyone comfortably and is completely air-conditioned; two, she has a ‘breakfast nook’ and briefing room right next to the dive deck so you can duck in for a quick bite or a cup of tea without having to walk upstairs to another deck; three, her huge dive deck and dive platform making getting in and out of the water a breeze.

The saloon is generously appointed and has comfortable seats centered around the huge flat screen TV situated on a well organized bookshelf with a large library. The saloon is designed so that small groups can gather comfortably for private chats, yet still at the same time seat all passengers.

There are two types of cabins on the MV Pawara, standard and deluxe. Both of the cabins have twin beds only, there are no double beds on this vessel. For couples who require double bed sleeping arrangements, best look further.

There are two air conditioned deluxe cabins located on the main deck. They are well laid out and spacious, and have private en suite bathrooms. The twin beds are perpendicular to each other, and the cabin features a large vanity mirror on the closet. Each cabin has a large picture window looking forward. These cabins are the first to be sold on each cruise.

There are eight air conditioned standard cabins on the boat, four on the main deck and four on the lower deck. Each cabin is spacious and comfortable and has two twin beds. The prices are lower for these cabins. Have a little bit less comfortable cabin and paying less is not a problem with the Pawara as there is so much room on the boat. It’s easy to spread out and find a quiet place for reading or listening to music.

This vessel will also be fitted with on board nitrox blending, oxygen filling and trimix blending for full technical diving.

The similan islands is quite unexplored, the majority of the diving is done at the 30m mark with double that depth below you.

Bookings are starting now for the November to March period. Prices will be release shortly.

Those who complete the Advanced Nitrox to Extended Range course will get this liveaboard included!

oh, we also got another speed boat, so that’s 2 speed boats and 1 luxury live-aboard!