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APT accused of underpaying crew

The 'Caledonian Sky', which was arrested on Aug 25 off Broome at Western Australia's north coast over a management dispute - a claim related to a dispute regarding ship management services - is now under a separate investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman. The company that manages the vessel has been accused by an international union of underpaying the crew. The vessel was docked off Roebuck Bay and was required to stay within 12 nautical miles of the Port of Broome. The crew was allowed to leave the vessel for half-day shore leave if required. The ship has since been released from arrest, but the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITWF) made a complaint to the Fair Work Ombudsman after it was discovered the crew had been underpaid over a six-month period. The complaint was being investigated. The owner, the Australian Pacific Touring (APT) has strongly denied the allegations and criticised the ITWF for making the complaint. APT was in the process of finalising the crew wages that were consistent with Australian entitlements. The 'Caledonian Sky' is expected to be sold to another cruise company later this year.

Damage estimate of coral reef increased

The "Caledonian Sky" has damaged about 18,900 square metres of coral reef in Raja Ampat, one of the most biodiverse marine habitats on Earth and a favourite with intrepid travellers and divers due to its palm-fringed islands, coral and fish, increasing the estimate of the devastation caused when the vessel ran aground. The "Caledonian Sky" smashed into the reefs at low tide around Kri, one of hundreds of small islands in Raja Ampat, after taking tourists on a bird-watching expedition. The boat, which was carrying 102 passengers and 79 crew, was grounded on the reefs and only refloated later on a high tide. Numerous attempts to free it using a tug failed, causing further damage to the corals. An assessment led by a local university had estimated the damage from the March 4 accident at 13,500 square metres. But after a survey involving marine researchers, government and the insurers, authorities announced that 18,882 square metres of corals had been affected. The Indonesian government was still calculating the financial impact of the accident, and it would be announced early April. The company and the insurers are committed to paying compensation. The incident in West Papua province infuriated the government, who last week summoned the British ambassador to protest, while local residents believed it would impact the tourism industry and the livelihoods of fishermen. Noble Caledonia has apologised for the accident and they were working to reach a settlement with the government.

Cruise ship captain may be charged for destruction of pristine reef

After the "Caledonian Sky" crashed into a pristine coral reef, the captain may be charged, Indonesian authorities said Wednesday. The cruise ship had run into the reefs at Raja Ampat on March 4, which is frequently included on lists of the the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and is often described as an “untouched” beach paradise. According to the Information and Law Bureau of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs, it was simply impossible to restore that part of Raja Ampat. Fish that were normally seen in that particular area were all gone. More than 13,000 square meters of reef were destroyed, Ketut Putra, the vice president of Conservation International Indonesia, said.