When the CMAS-backed Thailand Diving Association came up with the idea last year to sink a bunch of aluminum airplanes and helicopters, the near universal non-TDA opinion was it was a pretty stupid idea. Not only would the corrents in Bang Tao Bay play havoc with the site, but metal itself would quickly deterioriate before coral for the artificial reef could take root.

Turns out they were right. The TDA now admits the “Coral Reef Squadron” is 90 percent destroyed by fishing trawlers and currents. (more…)

The crew of the sinking Chart 1 bulk-carrier ship clamber aboard life rafts in the Andaman Sea. (Photo: Phuket Gazette)

A Thai bulk cargo ship went down in during storms in the Andaman Sea Aug. 23 about five miles from the Phang Nga Naval Base, about 55 kilometers north of Phuket. All hands were rescued but the ship sits at the bottom of the ocean while owners and authorities sort out the insurance issues.

Will the ship become a new wreck for diver? Unknown at this point, but there’s some talk of salvage, according to the Phuket Gazette. (more…)

Changes are afoot at Phuket’s Pro-Tech Dive College with the opening of new facilities the boss gaining new closed-circuit rebreather ratings.

Construction of Pro-Tech’s new facility in Chalong has taken about six months, but is now complete, the company says on its Tech-CCR News & Events blog. (more…)