Diving within the vicinity of MV Belle Rose is temporarily suspended. (Edgar Florita, Capitol PIO photographer)
CEBU CITY–Diving activities in Monad Shoal off the waters of Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town, northern Cebu have been temporarily stopped after a cargo ship ran aground in the famous dive spot.
“We have requested the Philippine Coast Guard stop diving activities in the area considering that there is still an ongoing assessment being conducted by our teams,” said Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Baltazar Tribunalo Jr.
But tourists can explore the other diving spots near Malapascua Island, away from the cargo ship. Tribunalo said he was told by local divers and those from PDRRMO and the Department of Tourism (DOT), who were conducting the assessment, that the area damaged by the ship could reach more than three hectares.
The Monad Shoal, an underwater island off Malapascua that serves as cleaning station of thresher sharks, is a popular dive spot.
In 2001, then Daanbantayan Mayor Luisa Loot issued an executive order, declaring the Monad Shoal as a marine protected area.