Published March 17, 2017
The Indonesian government says it will take strong action in response to the destruction of coral reefs by a cruise ship at a popular tourist destination.
A senior official of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, Arif Havas Oegroseno, said Tuesday that a task force has been established to deal with both civil and criminal aspects of the issue.
The 4,200-ton Bahama-flagged M.V. Caledonian Sky entered the waters of Radja Ampat in West Papua province on March 4 after visiting surrounding islands for bird watching and art performances.
When it started to sail to Bitung it ran aground on coral reefs in the region.
A preliminary investigation found that the ship destroyed about 1,600 square meters (17,200 square feet) of coral in the heart of Radja Ampat.
https://www.foxnews.com/world/indonesia-to-take-action-against-coral-damage-by-cruise-ship