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PADANG UPDATE: Hauling A Ship Off Padang Reef No Easy Feat

by Zach Weisberg
Online Editor
Click here to learn all about the wreck at Padang Padang.
Watch video from the wreck
Check out exclusive photos here.

The Ho Tsai Fa No. 18 still patiently awaiting its demise or salvation in the middle of perfect Padang Padang.

The recent grounding of the Ho Tsai No. 18 fishing vessel at Padang Padang has proven an undeniable study in contrast. An idyllic, tropical rendering of all that is good in the natural world has been graffitied with a rusty, fish-killing colossus that has not only made for some interesting photographs, but now threatens serious damage to one of the world’s wonderful waves.

View exclusive photos and video from the wreck here.

In the latest update from Bali, Staff Photographer, Jason Childs, reports that the boat has begun leaking oil as many expected, but the surfers haven’t halted their enjoyment of the Indonesian jewel.

"Rizal, Benji, and others surfed there, and had to put up with slippery boards from all the oil and diesel in the line up," said Childs. "It's a really sad situation and it appears that the next swell due Monday will probably see the ship break up on the rock and pollute the whole area."

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The ship began to wash up on the rocks after a failed attempt by locals to tow the boat further out to sea, and as a large swell begins to fill in, activists embark on a race against the clock to remove the boat from causing any further destruction to the beach.

"Everyone is now preparing for the worst," said Childs. "Today, the tug boat that was meant to come and drag the boat off the reef didn't show for a number of reasons so local fishing boats were coordinated and tried to drag the boat off the reef but they were under powered and the tide was running out so the boat wouldn't budge."

So how has this affected the Rip Curl Pro Search trials? After much speculation, event directors decided to postpone competition.

"The contest has been put on hold for this swell, and they will reevaluate again on Monday for the next big swell," Childs reports. "There is lots of diesel and oil in the lineup at Padang Padang and it’s now stretching all the way to Uluwatu this morning. A combination of wind and currents dragged it that way."

A local organization called Role Foundation aims to be in the water at sunrise tomorrow morning to haul the boat off and provide as much relief as possible. Hopefully officials and residents can band together to salvage a paradise lost.

Trouble in paradise. As you can see, the ship has begun to move shoreward into the rocks.

Reader Comments

Posted Fri Jul18, 2008, 6:02 PM — By Jeff

That top photo is ridiculous.

Posted Fri Jul18, 2008, 8:21 PM — By Chiz

Wouldnt it have been a good idea, knowing what the swells etc would be doing soon to pump the vessel dry of oil? as per usual in indo nothing happens fast. even though you probably wouldnt be able to get all of that black stuff it would be better than having it over those vital reefs!!

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 1:34 AM — By Blake

Here is a novel idea; Why doesn’t Rip Curl (yes, the same company that will be running The Search event in Indo. in a few months) take a miniscule fraction of it’s hundreds of millions of dollars worth of profits, and clean this fucking mess up! I am absolutely amazed at the short sightedness and complete lack of regard for not only one of the best waves on the planet, but also the surrounding ecosystem. How long as this thing been sitting on the reef? How difficult would it be for one of the giants in the multibillion-dollar surf industry to pull together $30,000? Lets forget about the world-class wave and the environment for a moment. Is Rip Curl that obtuse that they can’t see this as a shinning opportunity to grab an enormous amount of publicity? The dollar amount worth of coverage that they would receive by being the saving grace, would be 100% more valuable than what it would actually cost them to clean this up. Give something back for fucks sake! Maybe I should be writing to Patagonia!

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 2:39 AM — By Todd

Rip Curl needs to take the lead. To bad it happened at all. Rip Curl has made more than enough money from the search contests. Have they been using the environment for the benefit of the company. It is a form of exploitation. In fact Barra, Mexico was off the map, for most people. The locals were happy, before Rip Curl ever went there! So in the case of Barra. It was complete exploitation. The locals do not want Rip Curl to ever come back. Rip Curl can do much more than the Indos will ever do. So in this horrible ecological situation who else can act now. They are sitting there waiting anyways. We will see! I doubt Rip Curl will due anything. The winter line of suits are being produced they need money for that. So they can charge 400.00$ later in the stores. Peace

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 6:30 AM — By One Ocean Steward

Rip Curl! Heed the call and do something now! I appeal to any altruism that your company might have and point out that you will lose or win a huge number of customers based on your actions. Listen to us and please go throw around as much money as needed to salvage this situation. Our eyes are on you. Please rise to the call.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 7:56 AM — By Po Boy

Rip really does need to take the lead on this. What the hell are they thinking?

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 8:55 AM — By David Maher

From what I have been told locally, is that the Police have now taken over. They are calling it a crime seen now. It is a crime to let this ship sit here for the last week!!. This is most likely where this ship will sit and rot. As Police in Bali who are dumber than more corrupt than any place I know. What they should do is haul this hunk of shit out of there and drop it off at the local Police station and they can look at it rot in their parking lot, and dust it for fingerprints there. Believe me all the expats I have as friends in Bali are doing what they can, locals too... only to be stopped by authorities. Yestedays tug was halted by the Police. The Local boats where not stong enough to move the Ship. If this becomes an enviromental disaster, Bali will cry once again. This time it may last much longer.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 9:03 AM — By NICK

Hey Blake and the others who wrote in slamming Rip Curl. Yes, big surf companies should step forward and pay for this mess to be cleaned up. BUT GUESS WHAT....They already did. They paid all the money for the boats and even paid the cops off so the tug boat could come and take it off. But the police still blocked the tug boat from coming. So write to the Indonesian government or tourism board. OR DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Because you talking out of your ass about things you don't know about is about as stupid as you and your fun board driving around in your Prius. Cool.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 12:10 PM — By Blake

Hey Nick, thanks for the info. And maybe it’s just the cynic in me, but why the fuck should I believe you? As far as I know, you’re just another person on a chat board. Not too much credibility there. So here's my idea; Rip Curl takes the lead on this one. They might want to send out a press release, stating what it is they have tried and what the true situation is over there. And then, if they want the full weight of the internet community behind them, they set up some kind of outlet for support. Like where to send our letters to the Indo. Gov't. Or put together some kind of donation fund. I am willing to bet there are a lot of people out there that would donate $$ to help this situation. Myself included. These guys have the $$ to lead by example, and that is my main point. And Nick, you can bash me all you want, just leave the Prius and the fun board out of it. That really hurts!

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 1:11 PM — By PRRULES

Something tells me that the PR happy surf industry would be pumping out press rleases about how they are helping out. Until I see the "look-at-us-we-are green" surf industry press releases I have to believe that Rip Curl is NOT stepping up. But, that being said, Bali and Indo in general does NOT work the way the Western world works. Lots of hurrdles and roadblocks and money exchanging hands..don't be so quick to wonder why? Those who know expected this. That boat isn't going anywhere.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 2:03 PM — By weswill

Surf companies don't care about surfing.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 2:13 PM — By Sebastian

Come on people! take that f... shipp of the beautiful Padang!...millions in profits and cant spare a few thousands??? Protect the ocean!!!

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 2:41 PM — By Brent

Ok so the surf industry should help out with this mess but what about the owner of the boat? It is easy to slam some surf company and say they need to do more. Does this mean Hurley should do more to fight the toll road through trestles? By some peoples logic here we should stop buying hurley because they are not out every day fighting against the 241. I am sure they do their part againt the toll road, but this is the same type of logic. Also they have a team house in the area so buy some peoples logic they should be front and center as well?? I would guess they are doing what they can with what is avail, including paying of the police to try to get a tug to the area. Why not slam the fishing industry? This boat has been poaching the oceans for years and nothing was done to stop it. Speak out against the criminals involved, not the surf industry who is trying to help.

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 5:55 PM — By jim

so what about the search event at barra?the surf industry is so full of idiots such hipocrisy.fu-k you all

Posted Sat Jul19, 2008, 10:00 PM — By Ricardo

I agree with Blake!!RIP CURL should do something about it!!Even ASP should help to solve the problem or forget RIPCURL SEARCH event!i don't believe ASP will go further with the competition if there will be diesel and oil on the water of Ulu...!Nick shut the f*** up and accept other people's ideas because we all want the same....Padang Padang back (if you know whats the feeling of a barrel there)....!!

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 10:02 AM — By Keleko

I support the surfers in this blog in turning to the deep pockets of the multi-million dollar/euro market-cap publicly traded apparel (aka action sport/surfing) corporations to help with this environmental crisis. Just one of the big brand's accounting staffs in a day could create a nonprofit under which the boat-clearing enterprise could operate, thus writing off all expense anyway. Most of the strongly branded "surfing" companies are publicly traded firms with multimillions in market cap. There is no reason why they can't act responsibly and get some good PR for their efforts.

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 10:05 AM — By Keleko

I support the surfers in this blog in turning to the deep pockets of the multi-million dollar/euro market-cap publicly traded apparel (aka action sport/surfing) corporations to help with this environmental crisis. Just one of the big brand's accounting staffs in a day could create a nonprofit under which the boat-clearing enterprise could operate, thus writing off all expense anyway. Most of the strongly branded "surfing" companies are publicly traded firms with multimillions in market cap. There is no reason why they can't act as responsible corp. citizens and get some good PR for their efforts.

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 1:09 PM — By michel k38 mx

Estoy totalmente de acuerdo con este debate que se a generado al respecto. Vamos Rip Curl !! Desembolsa algo de tu dinero para el beneficio de "perfect Padang Padang" , alcabo que dinero no te hace falta.

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 3:04 PM — By Woody

I can't believe this nightmare. If quick, decisive action would have been taken when this clusterfuck first happened, there would have been a chance to remove this beast of a vessel from Padang's outer reef. Now that it is on the inside there is no way.It would require 2 millitary helos and several giant tugs, along with a massive lunar high tide, oh yeah and a flat spell. This vessel will crack in half and gouge out huge chunks of the reef if such an attempt is made. The end result, 10 tons of , sharp, rusty steel in the take off zone? An Aussie vessel salvage team should be dispatched, not to move the vessel but to pump out any remaining oil and diesel.Several explosive charges should be placed strategically on the hull. As the next huge swell and high tide converge and she is pushed up as far as she will go on the rocks, then boom, she fills with water and is locked forever inside Padang.Then the oceans will begin rotting the steel, and the captain can rot in jail. Unless he pays the cops enough, B

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 5:30 PM — By Floridas wingnut

I must say I am rather dispointed that Rip Curl or any number of surfings so called (Giants) has not made any attempt to remove the vessel or at the very least contain the spill, but surfing has become more like a status symbol much in the way rims on a car or a well manicured lawn has. I meet kids in the lineup that dont know who Buzzy Trent, Gerry Lopez or Duke are, I mean these are the guys that helped bring surfing to the world! I hope people begin to wake up and see that surfing is not about ripping hard or getting good spray.... its about good times good friends and being able to participate in something that nature gives us, dont take it for granted. Oh yeah and I hope they throw the worthless jack of a captain to the bloody sharks... prisons to good for him.

Posted Sun Jul20, 2008, 10:57 PM — By booyah

thanks for the info NICK, whether its legit or not, at least the previous posts gave you a reason to reply, otherwise none of us would have known that Rip Curl is doing their best to help out where they can with $$$ and pressure... lets hope they manage to get the boat out to sea before it gets smashed to pieces!

Posted Mon Jul21, 2008, 12:51 AM — By Manny

You people from USA don't know how this kind of stuff works in a third world country. If Rip Curl shows up with its check account ready, the Bali police will take all the money an still do nothing about that freaking vessel, so, it's better than the locals and some non-profit organization take the lead, and please, pray God that something happens as fast at it can be, third world speed is less than slow...

Posted Mon Jul21, 2008, 10:23 AM — By Waller

Ok... so we understand padang suffers from the third time schedule, however i have to agree with blake on all of this because while the police are corrupt and disorganized this may also allow rip curl to break their authority easier if they grow the balls. If the boat is succesfully taken off the reef the police may get angry, however the problem will be solved, up until this point i never though about how fucked up the surf industry is when it comes to these things. Fuck rip curl and every other multi billion dollar surf industry if they refuse to help. It couldnt be that hard if a few companies got together with an environmental orginization and dished out a small fraction of profit for this environmental disaster. Drag it off the reef at night if you have to... We all know with the right amount of funds anything is possible. Please get of your asses and clean this shit up!

Posted Mon Jul21, 2008, 12:08 PM — By RP

Waller, wouldn't be wise to be a bit more informed before lashing out. You seem to forget there is a small country involved in this and the simple task of dragging a boat off of the reef is not so simple. From what is reported the boat is no shape to be pulled for fear of tearing apart. If it has to be taken apart and hauled up the cliff that too will be an incredible task. The boat is filled with fluids that are harmful to the ecology of the reef. Take all these things into consideration and you might answer your own questions.

Posted Mon Jul21, 2008, 12:16 PM — By Digi

blake you seem to have your head out of your ass, which is more than i can say for Bali (and this nick poster)...way-to squander your countries main tourist attraction! You would think all the f-ing muts exploiting Bali like Taylor Steele, Benji, Rob Machado, Surfer Mag, Surfing Mag, Transworld Surf...all the established pros/burnouts (Benji!) that are over there in retirement/exile could rally the money and create the media frenzy that's needed to get this sort of problem taken care of. Also you don't buy Hurly because they're not helping save Tresles, the reason you don't buy Hurley because they're owned by Nike and there are no boubt 10 local brands around the corner, that will speak to you.

Posted Mon Jul21, 2008, 5:49 PM — By glassedin1

Big "surf" companies in surfing are BAD. They don't bring prices down, they don't design better, and they siphon resources from our communities and sport. Keep your trunks and suit for another year and give the money you would have spent on surf brands to Surfrider or Sea Sheperd. It's our fault! We wrap our money around ourselves (clothes, trunks, traction, more boards, wetties, etc) instead of investing in these NGOs that can actually accomplish things. Sure, get mad, but don't buy another straw fedora or pair of sunglasses. DON'T BUY SOMETHING WITH YOUR MONEY, DO SOMETHING WITH IT! Hurley, Quik, Rip, etc. are all laughing at us, we're so gullible and will buy just about anything with the right logo on it. I know. I have worked at a lot of these places and couldn't deal with the hypocrisy.

Posted Tue Jul22, 2008, 7:23 AM — By Paul

While I don't necessarily think all surf companies are bad, I do agree that if a company is coming in an expoliting a break by hosting a WCT, WQS or some other event where they are able to secure some sort of exclusive rights - if even for a few days - they need to pony up and give something back to support that community. In this case, Rip Curl needs to help fund at least a portion of the mitigation efforts to deal with this wreck. Same goes for Hurley and Boost - who so far have done fuck-all to support the effort to stop the 241 toll road extension... Same goes for Quiksilver who need to support efforts to Save Kirra...

Posted Tue Jul22, 2008, 8:48 AM — By third

ALL U KOOKS THAT DONT KNOW SHIT ABOUT THIS. iv been on the scene everyday....rip curl,aqua man and clemens have been doing everything in there power to get the boat off.rip curl did pay money,the police took it and never showed up with the tug.the next day the swell came up and its over now.aqua man got the diesel and trash off. its there now....no one is getting it off.its full of holes now......blake and ricardo have a blast on your fun boards, kooks.

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