VESSELS SERVE FINAL MISSION AS ECO-FRIENDLY ARTIFICIAL REEFS IN COZUMEL, MEXICO
COZUMEL, Mexico - June 16, 2006 (DNW) - As part of Cozumel’s ongoing commitment to create new and exciting dive and snorkeling sites off the coast of the world-famous island, two former Mexican Navy Patrol ships served their last mission on June 2, 2006 as they sank to their final resting place to become new underwater attractions for exploration by divers and snorkelers.
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Experts prepare the former P-74 Mexican Naval vessel at a local marina in Cozumel.
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As a famous dive destination and home to the largest reef system in the Western hemisphere, Cozumel is dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of its vast marine life and 20 miles of coral reefs. The recent ship sinking not only demonstrates that commitment but served as the launch of a long-term program which consists of several ship sinkings, organized by local government officials, over the coming year to provide new and geographically widespread dive and snorkeling sites outside of the National Marine Park.
The two patrol ships, the Laguna Mandinga and the Patzcuaro, measuring 85 feet long and 42 feet long, respectively, now rest at a depth of approximately 38 feet some 370 yards from Cozumel’s shore. “It is exciting to know that we are providing a future home for hundreds of species of marine life while contributing positively to Cozumel’s majestic underwater eco-system. We are also pleased that as a result of these projects, our destination will continue to have something new and fresh for return divers and snorkelers to explore,” said Raul Marrufo, Director of the Cozumel Tourism Promotion Board.
“Cozumel is known around the world for its underwater environment, among other attractions, and this reef program will not only help preserve marine life but will add more options and adventures for the more than 200,000 new and repeat divers that visit the island each year,“ explained Marrufo. “We are confident that these new additions will heighten the island’s popularity among divers and leisure travelers as well.”
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The P-74 begins its ocean descent off the coast of Cozumel and is the first of the two Navy ships to sink.
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The former military vessels will educate and provide divers and marine researchers with awe-inspiring historical attractions, while offering a focal point for additional underwater life in Cozumel. Based on other successful submersions, the new reefs are expected to be colonized by a wide range of marine invertebrates and fish, leading to a significant expansion in fish stocks, and will additionally encourage the growth of native corals and further the development of more diverse coral species.
The wide variety of natural reef diving offered by Cozumel cannot be found in any other destination in the Western hemisphere. Accordingly, Cozumel reefs are protected as part of the Cozumel National Reefs Marine Park, and diving in Cozumel is ruled by the most discriminating international dive/eco-standards.
“The new dive sites will serve as a valuable contribution to our island’s resources,” concludes Marrufo. “Through eco-tourism efforts such as these, future generations of visitors will be able to experience the same wonders of Cozumel, both above and beneath the sea.”
The island of Cozumel named “The Land of the Swallows" by the Maya who inhabited it more than 2,000 years ago, is located in the state of Quintana Roo, east of the Yucatan Peninsula. Situated along the world’s second-largest reef network and home to the famed Palancar Reef, discovered by Jacques Cousteau in 1962, Cozumel boasts a first-class international dive and snorkel reputation. Cozumel has also established itself as a prime golf, honeymoon and family vacation destination. In a Money magazine survey, Cozumel was recognized as a top vacation destination, noted for its diversity, offering something for every traveler, and great vacation value. Visit Cozumel on the World Wide Web at www.islacozumel.com.mx.
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For more information about scuba diving opportunities in Cozumel, visit the following website: www.islacozumel.com.mx