A large area of pristine reef off Sipadan in Sabah has been destroyed following the grounding of a construction barge anchored off the island.

Photo: John Bantin

An area of reef measuring in the hundreds of square metres has been left as bare limestone, with all corals and marine life wiped out. Situated between the island's old pier and Barracuda Point, the damaged area takes in the coral gardens approaching a celebrated drop-off much enjoyed by diving visitors.

The barge was anchored near the drop-off and went ashore after dragging its anchor in strong winds. The large, flat-bottomed steel vessel was loaded with construction materials, including gravel, sand, steel and iron, plus a crane and a bulldozer.

Eyewitness reports have referred to mounds of gravel on the reef and a swathe of pulverised coral pieces and other debris piled in the shallows up to the beach.

The grounding is a tragedy for the island, the dive centres of which were closed in late 2004/early 2005 to protect its eco-system. This followed moves to reduce numbers of staying visitors. Since the mid-1990s, evidence had been mounting of damage caused by growing numbers of divers and snorkellers.

Since the closures, the only diving access has been from day boats from nearby islands or the mainland, and from liveaboards. Numbers of visitors have been controlled through a permit system run by Sabah Parks Authority.

Questions are being asked as to why the barge was allowed to anchor reportedly for at least three days so close to the island; and, given the protectionist agenda for Sipadan, what is to be built there if it is confirmed that the barge's materials were destined for the island.

Old hotels and dive centres have been dismantled or are decaying. Wooden piers are reportedly in fair condition. A manned military garrison remains on the island.

Related links
Dive centres to be evicted from Sipadan
Sipadan diving
Trouble in Paradise


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