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Ver la versión completa : Xlendi: Gozo scuba park turned death trap?



SENSACIONES
11th November 2008, 14:22
GOZO, Malta (8 Nov 2008) — The disappearance of a diver while exploring the wreck of the MV Xlendi off Gozo has raised new questions about the safety of dives inside the former ferry.
Etienne Micallef, Master instructor of the Malta Red Cross sea rescue services said there was no doubt that entering the wreck was dangerous.
The former ferry was scuttled in 1999 to create a diving attraction. But it sank onto a steep sand bank at a depth of 42 metres and overturned. The superstructure has since sunk into the sand and a quantity of silt has built up in the hull.
Mr Micallef said the danger was recognised two years ago when the Red Cross fixed large reflective signs all round the wreck warning divers not to enter. The signs were cleaned up just a week ago.
However while some divers have asked for the wreck to be blown up or cut up, Mr Micallef said the only practical course of action was to raise greater awareness of the dangers, particularly in diving schools.
"The ship is not safe. It is upside down, and swimming into the hull is dangerous because it is dark, fine silt may make you lose your bearings, and there are not enough exits" Mr Micallef said. The wreck is also at the maximum limit of such sports dives, he said.
"Our recommendation is for divers to go round the wreck, but not into it," he said, adding that the nearby wrecks of the Karwela and Cominland were safe.
These two wrecks were scuttled in the vicinity of the Xlendi following a report to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority by professional diver Emi Farrugia.

Mr Farrugia in comments to timesofmalta.com suggested inducing a crack in the hull of the Xlendi so as to eventually split the vessel, re-creating interest in what was currently "a dangerous wreck which is a death-trap in certain areas."
Mr Farrugia told timesofmalta.com that if the wreck could be straddled with some explosives to induce a crack. Nature could then be left to take its course and the vessel would eventually break up in two.
"This will introduce light into the wreck and as a result increase marine life. Because there is no light at all inside the wreck, there are absolutely no fish," Mr Farrugia said.
The alternative, he said, was to leave the wreck as it was or to seal entrances to the dangerous areas.