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DAN America has been in frequent contact with its independent affiliate DAN South-East Asia Pacific (SEAP), whose coverage area includes most of the countries affected by the December tsunami, including Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and India. Additionally, DAN America is in contact with its other independent affiliates DAN Europe and DAN Southern Africa, who are also responding to the needs of their members who were in the area at the time of the tsunami.
According to John Lippmann, DAN SEAP President, this is what he understands at present (Jan. 6) based on his most recent conversations with DAN:
There are around four direct diving fatalities in Thailand. Certainly some divers were injured after being dumped onto reef by the waves. It is likely that other divers would have died along with the many non-divers while on the beach relaxing. However, the early reports about large numbers of divers missing at sea appear to be untrue.
Most of the liveaboard dive boats in the region have now returned. Most dive operators are running operations, other than shore-based operators in Khao Lak and Koh Phi Phi. The main concern appears to be the likely reduction in tourism and the effect that will have on their business. Operators on the other coast of Thailand are busier than before as tourists have moved to that side.
DAN America and its independent affiliates are now jointly looking at the best ways the organizations can assist dive operations that have been directly affected by the disaster through their missions of dive safety and educational services. All organizations strongly encourage their members to donate directly to reputable aid agencies within their own countries (for a list of those for DAN American members, visit here).
All DAN organizations together hope to be able in some way to assist the diving communities affected by this tragedy. Visit this website for follow-ups on what can be done by the organizations and is being done currently.<
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