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Much to the delight and praise of the local real estate agents, Roatan was visited by dedicated Mexican yachtsman Albert Bailleres on his very impressive yacht the Mayan Queen during the week of March 12th. Impressive may be an understatement. The 74 year old billionaire, whoÃÔ inherited wealth (5+ billion dollars) originating from logging and mining enterprises, has purchased one beautiful boat. The 300 foot yacht created quite an impressive sight cruising by West End, here on Roatan, awing onlookers with its obvious elegance and luxury.
The Mayan Queen, whose owner Alberto may have been on board, was observed maneuvering in the area of the local dive site Å´eaquest? well within the protected waters of the Roatan Marine Park. The Marine Park, was established to preserve and protect the delicate ecosystem of the barrier reef, and enhance the diving and tourist activities that are so important to the economy of this poor country, and allows no anchoring of any kind within its jurisdiction. There by helping to insure the health of the reef, and the opportunity for viewing and enjoying it now, and in future generations.
It is hard to describe the emotions felt upon witnessing the destruction of the coral reef by the anchor of the Mayan Queen. The shock, nausea, horror, and dismay of seeing 5m wide path 200m long, starting in a shallow sand patch and plowing through the wall of the centuries old barrier reef. Destruction abounds. This section of the barrier reef now resembles a building demolition site, with concrete like rubble strewn in big blocks along the anchors merciless path. The devastation of the ancient reef has uprooted coral, ruined precious habitat, and destroyed sponges as old as the avid yachtsman himself.
It is hard to imagine that the pilot of such a magnificent yacht as the Mayan Queen, could be so inept in his task, and so self righteous as to ignore Honduran Law and the regulations of Roatan Marine Preserve. What possible reason could a person have for taking such illegal actions piloting one of the top twenty yachts in the world, whoÃÔ outfitting, equipment, and instrumentation must resemble that of the Space Shuttle?
So, thank you Alberto Bailleres for letting us view your magnificent boat, and leaving a dying legacy here on RoatanÃÔ reef. I personally would invite you to sail long and proud, within the borders of your home country, where your blatant disregard for local laws may be returned in kind.
The Mayan Queen, whose owner Alberto may have been on board, was observed maneuvering in the area of the local dive site Å´eaquest? well within the protected waters of the Roatan Marine Park. The Marine Park, was established to preserve and protect the delicate ecosystem of the barrier reef, and enhance the diving and tourist activities that are so important to the economy of this poor country, and allows no anchoring of any kind within its jurisdiction. There by helping to insure the health of the reef, and the opportunity for viewing and enjoying it now, and in future generations.
It is hard to describe the emotions felt upon witnessing the destruction of the coral reef by the anchor of the Mayan Queen. The shock, nausea, horror, and dismay of seeing 5m wide path 200m long, starting in a shallow sand patch and plowing through the wall of the centuries old barrier reef. Destruction abounds. This section of the barrier reef now resembles a building demolition site, with concrete like rubble strewn in big blocks along the anchors merciless path. The devastation of the ancient reef has uprooted coral, ruined precious habitat, and destroyed sponges as old as the avid yachtsman himself.
It is hard to imagine that the pilot of such a magnificent yacht as the Mayan Queen, could be so inept in his task, and so self righteous as to ignore Honduran Law and the regulations of Roatan Marine Preserve. What possible reason could a person have for taking such illegal actions piloting one of the top twenty yachts in the world, whoÃÔ outfitting, equipment, and instrumentation must resemble that of the Space Shuttle?
So, thank you Alberto Bailleres for letting us view your magnificent boat, and leaving a dying legacy here on RoatanÃÔ reef. I personally would invite you to sail long and proud, within the borders of your home country, where your blatant disregard for local laws may be returned in kind.
