The Tatoosh in calm water.
Posted on 01/29/2016 6:36:35 PM PST by presidio9
Billionaire Paul Allen has given millions of dollars to conservation causes over the years, including ones that support ocean exploration and preservation. But earlier this month, his 300-foot yacht Tatoosh allegedly caused significant damage to a protected coral reef in the Cayman Islands.
The anchor and chain of the vessel allegedly damaged 14,000 square feet of reef on January 14, according to Cayman Islands' Department of Environment. The incident occurred in a protected area of Grand Cayman called the West Bay replenishment zone, which is near popular scuba diving sites.
The M/V Tatoosh was "moored in a position explicitly directed by the local Port Authority," Paul Allen's Seattle-based company, Vulcan, says in a statement on its website. However, the winds reportedly shifted, moving the boat toward the reef.
"When its crew was alerted by a diver that her anchor chain may have impacted coral in the area, the crew promptly, and on their own accord, relocated their position to ensure the reef was protected," Vulcan says (company spokespeople have declined to speak with us beyond the statement).
Allen was not on board the 300-foot yacht (his second biggest), which has five decks and is staffed by a crew of 30. (It is reportedly the 49th largest yacht in the world.) Vulcan says the company is working with local authorities to determine what happened and to help restore the damage.
The incident was relatively unusual, since Grand Cayman is a popular boating destination and clear guidelines usually keep people from damaging the reef, says Carrie Manfrino, a coral ecologist who founded the Central Caribbean Marine Institute, which operates a field station in the Cayman Islands.
"We've come a long way from the day when anchors could just be thrown in
-SNIP-
(Excerpt) Read more at news.nationalgeographic.com ...
The Tatoosh in calm water.
You trashed the reef. It's not complicated.
and to help restore the damage.
How, exactly? Waterproof glue? Reefs take decades to grow. That's why they are delicate.
Hey, it’s Paul Allen of Seattle fame and fortune.
No problem.
He’ll figure out a way to make the taxpayers of Seattle pay to have the damage fixed.
After all, HE’S PAUL ALLEN, OF SEATTLE FAME AND FORTUNE.*
*The same ahole who, after the voters turned down the funding of “his” stadium, figured out a backroom deal to make the taxpayers pay for it anyway. Once a Seassahole, always a Seasshole.
He damaged 14000 sq feet of reef? Dang.
Wow, that thing is bigger than the “Disco Volante”.
I bet he is even meaner than Largo.
Just saying.
Is that Rubios yacht in the foreground?
But what was the damage to the yacht?
I think the 4th Deck Planetarium needed to have its bay doors recalibrated.
Life’s bitch on the reef.
Carbon coral credits!
DILLIGAF. Fine them and move on.
It does not appear that the yacht is not registered as a US
flag vessel. Could it be that Paul Allen is trying to avoid paying his “fair share” of taxes. A crew of 30-how many are
US citizens?
My yacht is 40’ft so you can figure it would be from the bow to that first set of small port lights.
Just dam.
“It does not appear that the yacht is not registered as a US
flag vessel. “
That is not a US flag being flown ...
He has a Yacht on his Yacht.
What kink of conservationist floats around in a Dr Evil boat like that?
Good to see the conservationist conserving our natural resources in that monstrosity.
Liberal hypocrites.
"That is the civil ensign of the Grand Cayman Islands.
Also known as the "Red Duster," it flies over 50% of the world's superyacht fleet.
Very popular at the World Trade Center Marina.
Tiger Woods' modest home away from home...
Boy, it would be fun to jump into that lifestyle for a week or so, just to see how nice it feels.
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