Debate on proposal to sink shipwreck to create high-end diving spot in Con Dao

In early August, Amadive Travel Services Company Limited sent a document to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism proposing a project to sink the Sheng Li shipwreck to create a high-class diving spot in Con Dao.

Sinking creates a premium diving spot

Speaking with Dan Tri, Ngo Tuan Tu, director of Amadive Travel Services Company Limited, said that the company has sent a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee about setting up a project to sink the Sheng Li shipwreck to exploit high-end diving tours in Con Dao.

According to Mr. Tu, this project not only contributes to attracting domestic and foreign tourists but also promotes the development of green tourism, aiming at experiences connected with nature in Con Dao special zone.

The wreck diving site will become a unique and different tourism product, serving the high-end customer segment, thereby expanding growth potential and creating more quality jobs for local people.

"Currently, in countries in Southeast Asia such as Malaysia and Indonesia, the model of diving to explore sunken shipwrecks at the bottom of the sea is very attractive to tourists.

Diving tours and exploring shipwrecks are very attractive to international and high-end tourists," Mr. Tu shared.

The investor representative explained that, in addition to its tourism value, the sunken ship will act as an artificial coral reef, providing shelter and breeding ground for many marine species, contributing to biodiversity conservation.

The formation of new diving spots also helps reduce exploitation pressure on natural coral reefs, creating conditions for them to recover and develop sustainably.

Mr. Tu added: “If approved as proposed, the company will have a plan and organize to clean the ship to ensure that it does not pollute the surrounding environment. After that, the company will tow the ship to the surveyed sea area to sink it, creating an environment for marine life to develop.”

Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism will meet with many departments and branches

On August 12, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that the unit had received a proposal from Amadive Tourism Services Company Limited about the idea of sinking the shipwreck to create a high-class diving spot.

According to Ms. Hoa, after receiving the document, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism sent a document with comments and consultation to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Agriculture and Environment.

The Department requests the Department of Agriculture and Environment to survey, inspect, update, evaluate and forecast the sinking location with the planned water area and the potential impact of sinking ships and serving tourism in the coming time.

In addition, there needs to be a plan to monitor and update the quality of seawater, ensuring that there is no pollution to surrounding areas, and the possibility of affecting the water of tourist beaches in the Con Dao special zone.

"The Department of Tourism will soon hold a meeting with relevant departments and agencies to listen to opinions, analyze, and contribute ideas to the proposed ideas of businesses. After that, the unit will synthesize and have a written consultation to request direction from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee," Ms. Hoa informed.

Previously, in 2023, the Sheng Li ship drifted freely, was towed back by authorities, and anchored at the port of Squadron R33 (Command of Coast Guard Region 3, stationed in Con Dao special zone) awaiting processing.

In August 2024, the old Ba Ria - Vung Tau province issued a plan to move the ship to anchor at the anchorage area at the Con Dao storm shelter. During the anchorage, the Sheng Li ship became a check-in and photo spot for many young locals and tourists when coming to Con Dao.

Last May, the People's Committee of Ba Ria - Vung Tau province previously approved a starting price of VND1.7 billion to organize the auction of the Sheng Li ship. The above starting price is the price according to the current status of the ship anchored in Con Dao, excluding value added tax and other fees and charges.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/tranh-luan-de-xuat-danh-chim-xac-tau-tao-diem-lan-bien-cao-cap-o-con-dao-20250812100558136.htm