Just a month or so after we disembarked, the Sulidae Yacht has sunk. Fortunately, no casualties. No tourists on board, just three crew (I wonder which ones?) who made it off safely.
Here is the article.
http://www.sangay.com/travelnews/tourist-boat-sulidae-sinks-in-the-galapagos-islands/
(In case we lose the link, here's what the article says:
The Sulidae was built/constructed in 1901 (not a typo) and has completed over 110 years of service.
The tourist boat ‘Sulidae’ sank at about 03:00 on Sunday while sailing between the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Fe, announced the National Park Services in a news release.
At the time of sinking the vessel was without passengers and carrying a crew of three, who were aided by the nearby tourist boat San Jose.
Authorities still do not know the causes of this incident but fortunately no casualties were reported.
The Galapagos National Park Service, as environmental authority, sent their high-speed boat Sea Ranger 1 to conduct an inspection of the site as it was suspected that there could be debris (scrap wood and other materials etc) from the ship. Fortunately no fuel spillage was reported.
Furthermore, the PNG (Galapagos National Park Service) has begun appropriate actions so that boat operator responds according to the provisions of the law.)
Even though I barfed the whole time I was on it, I am sorry to hear the Sulidae is gone. It was a cool boat and added a lot to the 'skyline' of the Galapagos.
Here is the article.
http://www.sangay.com/travelnews/tourist-boat-sulidae-sinks-in-the-galapagos-islands/
(In case we lose the link, here's what the article says:
The Sulidae was built/constructed in 1901 (not a typo) and has completed over 110 years of service.
The tourist boat ‘Sulidae’ sank at about 03:00 on Sunday while sailing between the islands of San Cristobal and Santa Fe, announced the National Park Services in a news release.
At the time of sinking the vessel was without passengers and carrying a crew of three, who were aided by the nearby tourist boat San Jose.
Authorities still do not know the causes of this incident but fortunately no casualties were reported.
The Galapagos National Park Service, as environmental authority, sent their high-speed boat Sea Ranger 1 to conduct an inspection of the site as it was suspected that there could be debris (scrap wood and other materials etc) from the ship. Fortunately no fuel spillage was reported.
Furthermore, the PNG (Galapagos National Park Service) has begun appropriate actions so that boat operator responds according to the provisions of the law.)
Even though I barfed the whole time I was on it, I am sorry to hear the Sulidae is gone. It was a cool boat and added a lot to the 'skyline' of the Galapagos.
Sad. My husband and I had one of our trips of a lifetime aboard the Sulidae, hearkening back to another time. We will never forget sailing silently through the night, iridescent algae rising from the froth each side of the bow as she parted the waters. What a treasure!!
ReplyDeleteThe 'backpackers special' moniker in the post mortem is unfair I think. This was a gorgeous vessel from another era, that accommodated a small group in friendly quarters with very special crew. The fact it didn't have makeup mirrors and hairdryer outlets only made it the more wonderful for us!