Experts interviewed by CNA say that due to the underwater topography of the area, there is a risk of high waves and strong currents.
Mersing district police chief Cyril Edward shows the pictures of British man Adrian Peter Chesters and French woman Alexia Alexandra Molina, who were found safe after drifting at sea for two and a half days, during a news conference at Mersing, Johor, Malaysia, April 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ebrahim Harris Earlier in 2013, two Singaporeans, diving instructor Tan Seah Heng and his student, Lee Yong Yeow drowned after diving off Pulau Tioman.
During spring tides, the current will be strong. Areas which are shallower will have stronger currents because water has to push through smaller spaces,” said Dr Zulfigar. He posited that for this year, the sea conditions have remained rough off Mersing due to the La Nina climate phenomenon. “In the early part of this year, based on the data we collected, we see strong wave conditions off the east coast. Last week, before the accident , we issued a forecast for strong waves in the area” said Assoc Prof Mohd Fadzil.
“During this upcoming busier period, it is important that tour operators off Mersing have all the safety equipment in place and don’t take things for granted,” added Assoc Prof Mohd Fadzil.Tourism and diving industry players around Mersing maintain that visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, provided that safety precautions are taken.
“Consumers don’t take no for an answer sometimes. When you cancel a dive, they might complain to operators and ask ‘why did you do that?’. Being firm and being able to deal with these kinds of consumers could be one way to ensure that safety is not compromised,” he added. Mr Adil stressed that a dive master or instructor from his company must be able to conduct a risk assessment before, during and after the dives. He too said that the activity must be halted if safety is in any way compromised.
Dive Nautic’s Mr Adil told CNA that operators must now, more than ever, do checks to ensure that the boat captains are not intoxicated while on the job.