Missing Divers - Komodo National Park

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

The dragons that frequent the tourist trails just might be easier to deal with than the ones on remote beaches. This one had the guys wetsuit in his mouth and went for a second one?

Really Don? I didn't realize you'd been there?

 

[DandyDon]

Really Don? I didn't realize you'd been there?

I know you have a grudge for my posts but read what I said outloud; it may help.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

No grudge, just pointing out that you don't know what you are talking about...

 

[DandyDon]

No grudge, just pointing out that you don't know what you are talking about...

Oh, you've done comparisons of the reactions of the dragons on the tourist trails as compared to the ones on the remote beaches? My "might" suggestion seemed reasonable but if you have personal experiences with both, you're welcome to expand - rather than just criticize. TY

 

[peterbj7]

I've now read all of this thread, as well as reports from the survivors. Nothing changes my view that in such waters the dive op should have had a positive way of tracking its DM, and hence the group. I stick to my view that the dive was severely mismanaged.

I haven't been to Indonesia or indeed anywhere in that region, but that's beside the point. There are international standards that should be applied to tourist operations seeking international customers (and indeed as someone said, probably run by ex-pats anyway). These are the standards that a visiting diver is entitled to expect. After all, the necessary equipment is neither expensive nor difficult to carry.

 

[Scared Silly]

Right Don "does not know" what he is talking about rather he "just might be" making an educated guess based on his experience.

Seems this guy has a little knowledge:

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How dangerous is a Komodo dragon?

 

[Geoff_H]

No grudge, just pointing out that you don't know what you are talking about...

The experts seem to back Don, rather than you.

BBC NEWS | Magazine | How dangerous is a Komodo dragon?

In the wild they are very dangerous and would attack humans unprovoked

Komodo dragons are known to have killed and eaten humans.

Pound for pound they are incredibly powerful, says Dr Stephen, the largest lizard in the world measuring up to three metres long (9ft 10ins) and 120kg (265 lbs). And they are strong swimmers so could follow a fleeing human into the sea.

Really Don? I didn't realize you'd been there?

You weren't floating in the ocean off Australia overnight but that didn't stop you sticking your oar in and accusing those two divers of faking it - so I don't see how you can criticise Don for a point with seems well thought out, and consistent with expert views rather than your tourist view.

 

[Antarctic-Adventurer]

Right Don "does not know" what he is talking about rather he "just might be" making an educated guess based on his experience.

Seems this guy has a little knowledge:

BBC NEWS | UK | Magazine | How dangerous is a Komodo dragon?

Yeah I read this too and found it interesting as it was contrary to my own experience and to what the villagers there told me. I used to land and walk around on Rinca/Komodo every few days with the dive boats as a DM and say hello to the cute Dragons. The ones that spend all their time in the village literally under people's houses (they are on stilts) have become very tame but because of this are unafraid of humans and it is easy to become complacent with them sitting around 24/7. Can you imagine getting up every morning and having to remember that there is a 3m lizard under your house? Whereas in the wild when I went trekking every time they heard me, or sensed I was there they took off with all speed in the opposite direction. It was damn annoying! (And yes I was quiet so got close occasionally). I would imagine that a lone dragon wouldn't be much of an issue in the open, I have stood many times within a few feet of them (never took my eye off it though) and a stick is usually enough to keep it back. However, a hungry group of Dragons when you are tired, hungry and on your own; not so funny...

I'd be more changing my underwear if I saw a Croc though trust me!

Check out the photo of me getting a little too close for my own good on Komodo Island...

 

[Wayan]

The dragons that frequent the tourist trails just might be easier to deal with than the ones on remote beaches.

Don komodo Dragons are Komodo Dragons they all have the survival instinct. Even the ones which are well fed that camp out at the rangers stations both on Komodo and Rinca.

Spent many a year running a live-aboard in Komodo and I still have a very health respect for them.

 

[SCUBAJENNIFER]

Oh, you've done comparisons of the reactions of the dragons on the tourist trails as compared to the ones on the remote beaches? My "might" suggestion seemed reasonable but if you have personal experiences with both, you're welcome to expand - rather than just criticize. TY

To suggest that somehow one is "tamer" than the other is ridiculous...

Komodo is not a zoo!

They are not captive, they come and go as they please...often from island to island.

And YES, we did venture to several remote beaches other islands and encountered dragons, none with any problems.