Diving with Nekton cancelled Help needed

[donhealy]

Diverdoug1,

Well that's a new way to recoup some cash! Might work in the Gulf right now (unfortunately!). Where did you find that posting?

Don

 

[divengolf]

Perhaps Nekton will get some money with the new plan they have for the Pilot see here Nekton Offshore > Home

Looks like he set up a new company to avoid all the liabilities associated with the old one.

I certainly can feel compassion for the folks who lost 1000$$$ on this Nekton situation, but in all candor, this was a disaster waiting to happen. Anyone who has been following the trials and tribulations of Nekton over the past two years on SB should have recogonized that this outfit was teetering on the financial edge. Plus any outfit that will not allow you to pay the bulk of their fee by credit card, raises a big RED FLAG in my book.

I'd suggest that the folks who have been screwed out of their $$ put together a case and retain a lawyer to at least look at it. But in the end there may not be any Nekton assets to split up regardless of the judgment. Perhaps there is some maritime law covering this situation similar to a cruise ship, esp. since this vessel was US registered, I believe.

Again, sorry for your loss, but remember BUYER BEWARE!!

 

[divengolf]

Hi, Terry and James -- We're most likely going to go with Rainbow Reef, since we're not familiar with the area and would prefer to have a dive guide (free with package dives). Our trip is planned May 7 - May 15. Will probably stay in the Keys somewhere, we're still trying to find a place. Would be great to meet you both. My husband says we can discuss our class action suit for Nekton Cruises over drinks.

Terry -- check your "Private Messages" inbox. I'll be sending you my email address.

In the Keys, check with your diveop for package deals with lodging. Many do it esp. in Key Largo area. In Key West, I always stay at the Holiday Inn just across the bridge from Stock Island. It's on Roosevelt Avenue and has always had the best rates.

The Upper Keys has the best diving and Key West the best night life. If you go to KW, make sure that you dive the Vandenburg, the new wreck sunk last year. This can be a tough dive with currents, so pick your dive op carefully. I usually use Dive Key West, a very safety minded op.

A better option in KW is to go on a trip to the Dry Tortugas. Try the M/V Spree depending on your schedule. Usually they include a couple dives on the Vandy in their package.

 

[DivingPrincessE]

But in the end there may not be any Nekton assets to split up regardless of the judgment.

I believe I read earlier in this thread that the owner of Nekton has his own helicopter or plane or something. If they win the lawsuit, make him sell the plane to pay back the people he screwed over.

 

[mike_s]

Diverdoug1,

Well that's a new way to recoup some cash! Might work in the Gulf right now (unfortunately!). Where did you find that posting?

Don

Don. The Pilot has been for sale for a short while.... just not openly advertised as "Nekton Liveaboard for sale".

It's been listed on dive boat brokers - main index for a while. (look for the entry that says "SWAT" on it. )

 

[cappyjon431]

I find it telling that even the previously fervent defenders of Nekton are becoming mute.

I was one of those "fervent defenders." I worked on the boat for many years (1995-2003) and during my tenure we offered a quality trip for a fair price. The boat was maintained, the crew was extremely friendly and professional, and the office support was excellent. I was proud to have worked for such a professional operation.

Now I just feel sad that things have deteriorated so far over the years. At least I took with me what I learned about running a quality dive operation and can now utilize it with my own business.

I'm very sorry to hear that current customers are getting such a bad experience. I hope it works out and that you either get your money back or get to go out on a cruise at a later date. Good luck to all.

 

[diverdoug1]

Cappyjon, I totaly agree with what you say about Nekton when you were on board. It was the best liveaboard experience I ever had (regardless of price). You did a great job! My wife and I used to always recommend of diving contacts to go diving with Nekton, and they were the only liveaboard we would dive with for a number of years. It would be great see the company return to that level of service.

 

[stspang]

I was on what may be the final voyage of the Rorqual and there was a little more than just a gennie issue. One of the prop shrouds that I believe control steering was broken and chained in a fixed position. Also the first time we lost fresh water was not due to the gen, but a pipe break in the water system. The final major outage was the second gen which left them with just a Honda generator to run the boat. And in general the boat needs a cosmetic overhaul. Lots of rust and musty carpets. In terms of timing, I was told it takes 9 days to sail the Rorqual to dry dock from Provo. So they are probably just getting there now.

 

[mike_s]

In terms of timing, I was told it takes 9 days to sail the Rorqual to dry dock from Provo. So they are probably just getting there now.

actually.... you're spot on. you should have placed a bet.


I was thinking they have a "were is the boat now" feature on their website.

at 12:01UTC she was just outside the entrance to the canal to the shipyard doing 4 knots.

Ship Report Date Time (UTC) Latitude Longitude
Nekton Rorqual Mon. May. 3, 2010 12:01:43 29.83 -85.34



Position Reports

 

[diverdoug1]

You can see it here Webcams