Pemba Island, Zanzibar: Second press release from Swahili Divers
We have heard and received many conflicting stories regarding the missing divers off Pemba Island in Zanzibar. Here is the SECOND official PRESS RELEASE from Swahili Divers sent out on 22 July 2005.
Despite an extensive sea, air and land search we have been unable to locate the five divers that went missing when diving off Misali Island, off Pemba (part of the Zanzibar archipelago off Tanzania) on 16 July.
The search for the divers continues in Pemba on a local community level.
Reluctantly, we recognise that at this stage that we have, in all probability, lost our friend and his divers. Many of us are struck with profound grief at this inevitable conclusion. Our Manager was the driving force behind our dive operations. He was universally liked by all of our staff and directors.
After consulting the Danish Authorities, and relevant maritime manuals, Swahili Divers has ceased to search pro-actively. The search in Pemba now centres on the local community. Other searches, organised by other authorities may continue on the mainland.
At 1504 EAT on Saturday 16 July two groups of divers commenced a dive off Misali Island, off Pemba (part of the Zanzibar archipelago off Tanzania). Both groups were led by experienced dive leaders. Only one group was recovered by the dive boat after completing their dive. One group of five divers is still missing.
The circumstances surrounding their disappearance remain a complete mystery. Conditions on the day were excellent, sea calm, and current light, and our expert dive instructor was equipped with all his usual safety and recognition equipment.
Many people gave so much of their time to assist in the search including the Tanzanian and Kenyan authorities, local dive centre operators, fishermen and mariners, air companies and the people of Pemba. We would like to express our sincere thanks to all those who have helped to provide invaluable support.
We pray for the families and friends of the missing divers.
Operations are continuing
Swahili Divers (P) Ltd, Padi resort no 32219
www.swahilidivers.com
Reservations: swahilidivers@zanlink.com
Personal: sahilreis@zanlink.com
Tel: +255 24 2452786 (Mornings and evenings best.)
Mobile: +255 748 39 49 80
Source: www.swahilidivers.com
posted by Melt du Plooy @ 8/08/2005
7 comments
7 Comments:
Are there any new developments since this July 22 press release?
Unfortunately, no. The families of all the missing divers have returned home with little information other than what you can read in these reports. There are no answers to the many questions surrounding this disappearance. It is a real tragedy that has taken away one of my best friends.
Thanks, I attended highschool and was good friends with Neil Clark. I just learned of the news a few days ago and I'm still in shock.
I am from the Sunshine Coast, too. I have remained good friends with Neil as he traveled the world, and even visited him overseas. He was doing what he truly loved and has taught and affected thousands of people all over the world. I am sorry that you are only just hearing the news. If there's any way I can help...
No help needed...Thanks anyway. I haven’t lived on the coast for some time now, and in fact have not been in contact with Neil for 5+ years. I wish we had kept in touch. I hope for his family, that there is some sort of closure.
I don't know if anyone will ever read this comment but there is a factual error in the news release given above. The current on the day in question was very swift and, when the dive staff next went down in the same site the next week, they all remarked on the power of the current. While I feel this was a tragedy and I feel for the families of the five people lost, I can't feel anything but disgust with Swahili divers as they spin this to avoid blame and keep the tourist dollars coming in. In addition, I visited the island just after this happened and met up with two divers on the boat on the way over. Neither had heard anything about the accident despite having called the day before to make reservations. This was five days after the accident occured. Swahili divers, while paying other boats to continue searching, resumed dive operations six days after the accident and probably would have restarted earlier had there been any divers willing to go.
We JUST now learned of Neil's death. We dove with Neil many times in Grand Cayman, and he was the dive master who certified us. He was a wonderful guy who instilled in us a love of diving. We are deeply saddened by the loss of all these lives, and our heart goes out to their families.
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