What Crew Members Say About Ocean-Protector

DOF Subsea, based in Norway, has finalized the sale of its construction support vessel, Skandi Protector, to the Australian government. This marks a significant move as it is the second vessel acquired by Australian authorities from DOF. The handover of the 2007-built Skandi Protector is anticipated to take place in the first quarter of 2016. Since 2010, this vessel has been under contract with Australian agencies, providing vital services until the end of 2015. Following its contract period, Skandi Protector transitioned to operations as a subsea project vessel within the Asia Pacific region. For further details, visit http://splash247.com/dof-sells-skandi-protector-to-oz/

On April 27, 2015, the expedition vessel 'Skandi Protector' embarked from Dampier to digitally document the HMAS 'Sydney II', which rests 2,500 meters beneath the waves off the coast of Western Australia. The 'Sydney II' tragically sank on November 19, 1941, after being attacked by the HSK 'Kormoran', a German raider masquerading as a Dutch merchant vessel. All 645 crew members aboard were lost on that fateful day. This World War II shipwreck, discovered 200 kilometers west of Shark Bay in 2008, is set to be surveyed as part of the Two Lost Ships project. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving the WA Museum, Curtin University, and the exploration firm DOF Subsea. The expedition aims to capture stunningly high-resolution video and imagery of the wrecks, which will then be used to develop immersive virtual experiences at the WA Museum in Geraldton and the upcoming Perth Museum, slated to open in 2020. One of the key goals of the project is to create a detailed 3D reconstruction of the 'Sydney II’s' hull, allowing the public to appreciate the wreck in its full glory for the first time. Remarkably, the 'Sydney II' remains in a condition that reflects its state immediately following the disaster. Over the next two weeks, two ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) equipped with lighting and cameras will deploy from the 'Skandi Protector' to carry out the exploration. This ambitious $2.4 million project enjoys the backing of both the Royal Australian Navy and the Naval Association of Australia.

A group of 153 asylum seekers currently held on an Australian Customs vessel in the Indian Ocean is facing dire living conditions, according to claims from their legal representatives. The asylum seekers, who are awaiting processing in Australia, have raised concerns about being detained in cramped, windowless cabins. This situation is expected to be addressed this Friday at a directions hearing in the High Court in Melbourne. The key point of contention arises from the assertion that their boat was intercepted just 27 kilometers from Christmas Island, which they argue places them within Australian territorial waters. Their legal statement contends that the decision to not transport them to Australia lacked 'legal reasonableness' and was deemed 'disproportionate,' thus rendering it invalid. Additionally, families have been torn apart as mothers and children have been separated from fathers and husbands aboard the Customs vessel. The asylum seekers report a total lack of freedom of movement, with their personal belongings, including phones, confiscated – leaving them with only the clothes on their backs. Most of the detained individuals are from Sri Lanka and face significant language barriers, with nearly all of them unable to communicate in English. Alarmingly, none have been interviewed regarding the reasons for their departure from Sri Lanka. This complicated scenario sheds light on the ongoing challenges surrounding asylum processing in Australia, raising questions about the treatment of vulnerable individuals seeking refuge. For further details, visit http://www.echo.net.au/2014/07/asylum-seekers-held-windowless-cabins/