News
Indonesian Navy Arrest 10 Divers For Looting Shipwrecks
The Indonesian Navy have arrested 10 divers allegedly trying to steal from shipwrecks recently.
Five of the divers were Vietnamese nationals, while five others were Indonesian.
Western Fleet Maritime Security Task Force chief Cmdr. Harjo Susmoro told local press on Sunday that the group were detained by officials during a routine patrol on Tuesday evening in Karang Haliputan waters, Tanjung Pinang.
They allegedly used a motor boat to transport the precious items. Harjo said three of the Vietnamese divers were suffering from decompression sickness when they were intercepted by naval officers. They were later rushed to Tanjung Pinang Naval Hospital.
In the past year, Harjo said, the Navy had captured three gangs who were trying to steal sunken objects in the area.
“Most of them pretended to be fishermen and most were Vietnamese nationals who worked hand-in-hand with Indonesians. The Vietnamese usually dive underwater to check the location of the shipwreck,” Harjo added.
Indonesia is home to 463 sunken vessels, eight of which are around the Riau Islands.
In March, as many as 3,680 pieces of earthenware were found when the Special Police for the Management of Coastal Areas and Small Islands confiscated them from a group of divers off Numbing Island (also in the Riau Islands).
Thousands of valuable items that have been looted from shipwrecks sit idly in government warehouses. Maritime and Fisheries Resources Monitoring Task Force director general Syahrin Abdurrahman called on the government to immediately auction off the valuable items so the proceeds could go to state coffers.
“Such theft is rampant in the Riau Islands waters because the sunken objects have both high economic and cultural value,” Abdurrahman said.
“There are millions of salvaged items stored in three Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry’s warehouses. We have asked the government to auction off the items and for the proceeds to be added to state coffers, which can then be used in the interests of the nation and state,” said Syahrin.
He said his agency was facing difficulties in paying maintenance costs, adding that it would be appropriate to keep some of the items as samples, such as for research or as museum exhibits.
Source: www.thejakartapost.com
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News
FALL SAVINGS: Leaves Are Falling, and So Are Prices! Explorer Ventures Fleet Offers $700 Off Caribbean Getaways
This fall, Explorer Ventures Fleet makes it easier than ever to escape to the Caribbean, offering $700 off per person on select departures aboard the Caribbean Explorer II and Turks & Caicos Explorer II. Now through December 7, travelers can take advantage of these FALL SAVINGS to book an unforgettable liveaboard adventure at an unbeatable price.
With warm waters calling and colorful reefs waiting to be explored, now is the perfect time for divers to experience the Caribbean’s best dive sites without breaking the bank. Guests can enjoy up to five dives per day, stargazing by night, and optional land tours aboard the Caribbean Explorer II—all while experiencing the ultimate comfort of well-appointed vessels with comfortable cabins and delicious meals.
Explorer Ventures Fleet invites divers to embrace the changing season with this limited-time offer. Availability is limited for select departure dates, and these savings won’t last long, making it the perfect opportunity for you and your dive buddy to plan a fall getaway.
Save $700 per person on the following departures in these Fall Savings:
- Caribbean Explorer II, departing Nov 23, Nov 30, and Dec 7 (Saba, St. Kitts, St. Maarten)
- Turks & Caicos Explorer II, departing Nov 9 only.
For those looking for a diving adventure further afield, Explorer Ventures Fleet is also offering last-minute discounts for select departures aboard the Black Pearl Explorer in Palau. Divers can enjoy discounted rates on a 7-night “Best of Palau” itinerary, making this an ideal opportunity to explore one of the world’s most renowned dive destinations at a great price.
To book your Fall Savings departure and check out the last-minute Palau discounts visit https://www.explorerventures.com/discounts-specials/ or contact the Explorer Ventures team directly:
info@explorerventures.com / 1-800-322-3577 / +1 307-235-0683 / www.explorerventures.com
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