- A lot of criticism has come after the Ocean Gate tragedy, especially on the safety of the vessel that was used.
- This includes the early warnings that were issued and the lack of certain safety features and certifications of the vessel.
Image: BBC/OCEANGATE EXPEDITIONS
The month of June has seen two major unfortunate tragedies on the sea.
One is that of immigrants who lost their lives while heading to Europe, through the Mediterranean. The UN declared around 80 dead and nearly 500 missing.
The other tragedy is that of the billionaires who were on board Ocean Gate’s Titanic-bound submersible which went missing in the North Atlantic and had five passengers killed in a suspected underwater implosion.
The latter, who were on the submersible, are the typical examples of adrenaline junkies, that is, people with a compulsive desire for nature and excitement. This very unfortunate incident got me thinking about how we have our own versions of adrenaline adventure, and how safe they are.
A lot of criticism has come after the Ocean Gate tragedy, especially on the safety of the vessel that was used. This includes the early warnings that were issued and the lack of certain safety features and certifications of the vessel. This is ultimately a big chilling lesson on the dangers of new technology and the dangers of exploring the sea.
Back home, local and international tourism has picked in a big way; at peak during the holiday seasons, and reasonably busy through the year. Most Kenyans love the Coast, and when in Rome, as the saying goes, do what Romans do, meaning adjusting your likes, interests and preferences based on your current location.
So, when in the popular destinations, most local tourists and international tourists tend to put all their trust in the instructors in hotels and resorts they stay in or the beach guides, better known as beach boys in terms of adventure. Some of these instructors are trained and certified, while some are not.
Adventure in the Coast of Kenya ranges from making memories with family and friends while going on a motor-powered boat with a glass bottom a kilometre or two into the ocean to seeing sea creatures. It also involves skydiving in Diani, snorkelling, wind surfing, water skiing and jet skiing and many other experiences that would bring an adrenaline rush.
To experience most of these activities, you either pre-book from your resort, or through an independent company offering these services, or your can simply walk into any open beachfront and you are spoilt of choice of activities to engage in.
Why not talk about safety anywhere else but the Coast? Unlike many other destinations, the Coast has extensive beaches and coastline, and a long exotic history receives most of the tourists, both local and international.
The ocean posses great danger as swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool or lake. Wind, waves, the change of the tide, the slope of the beach and other factors can cause strong currents to be present in the water even on the calmest days. Ocean conditions can also change from day to day and from hour to hour.
You will be surprised that most tourists who go on these short or long excursions to the ocean are either basic level swimmers, or non-swimmers.
Unbeknownst to them, they get into these boats, to go to the sandbanks, or deep into the ocean, without any confirmation on certifications, or any write ups on what to do in case of any danger. Most of the guides even go ahead to give the tourists the experience of snorkelling, in order to spot different sea creatures, yet for many, or most, its their first time exploring the sea.
Then there is the league of adrenaline junkies, who sign up for or hire out facilities and equipment to explore. Most of them are professionals or just daredevils in the particular activities they engage in.
You will spot them skydiving, wind surfing, jet skiing, water skiing and even swimming laps in the ocean. Most of them are fearless and they never seem to need guides. But then we all know the ocean can be very unforgiving sometimes, and even sailors can shudder over a calm sea.
Over the years, we have lost a number of people in a fun-turned-tragic scenario.
In December last year, a tourist boat capsized in Mombasa killing two people. This happened at the Jomo Kenyatta public beach in Mombasa, otherwise known as Pirates. It is said the waves got very strong and destabilised the overloaded boat. This is just but one of the many tragedies that have happened at the Coast related to explorations in the ocean.
Looking at the dangers that lurk in the ocean, the government, through the responsible parastatals, the relevant counties, and the many public and private partners that have continued supporting tourism at the Coast, should put into consideration that the interest in adventure tourism is on the rise.
While at that, they need to enforce the safety measures they have already put in place, and also curb the careless enticing that the beach guides continue to do while marketing their services.
Part-time lecturer and a communications researcher