MatthiasPR
New
Looks like I'm one of only few people, who has been on the SLA .
I was on the tour from November 19-26 together with two friends from Germany, and folks from UK, France, Italy, US and Canada. At least our tour took really place and was not fully canceled or partially replaced with a Sri Lanka jungle camp. Nevertheless: various issues with the boat and Sri Lanka officials made this a very - let's call it "special" trip: every night in the Colombo industrial harbour between container vessels, only 12 dives in the full week, one day Colombo sight seeing instead of diving, stability issues of the vessel, broken anchor ropes while divers in the water, rain water in some cabins, broker aircon in some cabins, lovely smell from the toilet in some cabins, etc. We did some research and figured out, that the ship was initially built in Egypt a couple of years ago - so everything else than new, except the interior. Weather and sea conditions in Egypt are completely different, so obviously the ship was not suitable for the conditions along the west coast of Sri Lanka during that time of the year.
But in all fairness also some positive points have to be mentioned: the crew did its best to still make it an enjoyable trip; food and service was at Aggressor standard, a lot of extra staff was onboard to help to get the daily procedures stabilized. And: the diving! 10 dives at wrecks close by Colombo - all really great, partially pretty deep. Some wrecks were covered with fish like a blanket. Conditions were not easy with low visibility and sometimes strong current (--> broken anchor rope) - not suitable for beginners. One day we went for dolphin and whale snorkelling: we had lot's of blue whales and had the chance to snorkel with them - great experience. One of our fellow guests posted a drone video on YouTube:
Compensation from Aggressor after the trip took some time to negotiate. Initially they targeted for a voucher on one of the next tours, but finally they agreed on a fair cash compensation. Nevertheless, Aggressor did not really take responsibility for the disaster but pointed in the direction of the franchise partner in Sri Lanka.
Sad to hear, that they finally were not able to stabilise the situation; officials in Sri Lanke were obviously not really helpful... The entire crew worked for month their butt off to get it up and running. Disappointing for them.
Anyway: I seem to have the privilege, to continue to be one of a very small group having done this trip and having seen the great wrecks along the west shore of Colombo.
I have posted some pictures on a german dive forum for the one's who are interested: Sri Lanka Aggressor - Taucher.Net
I was on the tour from November 19-26 together with two friends from Germany, and folks from UK, France, Italy, US and Canada. At least our tour took really place and was not fully canceled or partially replaced with a Sri Lanka jungle camp. Nevertheless: various issues with the boat and Sri Lanka officials made this a very - let's call it "special" trip: every night in the Colombo industrial harbour between container vessels, only 12 dives in the full week, one day Colombo sight seeing instead of diving, stability issues of the vessel, broken anchor ropes while divers in the water, rain water in some cabins, broker aircon in some cabins, lovely smell from the toilet in some cabins, etc. We did some research and figured out, that the ship was initially built in Egypt a couple of years ago - so everything else than new, except the interior. Weather and sea conditions in Egypt are completely different, so obviously the ship was not suitable for the conditions along the west coast of Sri Lanka during that time of the year.
But in all fairness also some positive points have to be mentioned: the crew did its best to still make it an enjoyable trip; food and service was at Aggressor standard, a lot of extra staff was onboard to help to get the daily procedures stabilized. And: the diving! 10 dives at wrecks close by Colombo - all really great, partially pretty deep. Some wrecks were covered with fish like a blanket. Conditions were not easy with low visibility and sometimes strong current (--> broken anchor rope) - not suitable for beginners. One day we went for dolphin and whale snorkelling: we had lot's of blue whales and had the chance to snorkel with them - great experience. One of our fellow guests posted a drone video on YouTube:
Compensation from Aggressor after the trip took some time to negotiate. Initially they targeted for a voucher on one of the next tours, but finally they agreed on a fair cash compensation. Nevertheless, Aggressor did not really take responsibility for the disaster but pointed in the direction of the franchise partner in Sri Lanka.
Sad to hear, that they finally were not able to stabilise the situation; officials in Sri Lanke were obviously not really helpful... The entire crew worked for month their butt off to get it up and running. Disappointing for them.
Anyway: I seem to have the privilege, to continue to be one of a very small group having done this trip and having seen the great wrecks along the west shore of Colombo.
I have posted some pictures on a german dive forum for the one's who are interested: Sri Lanka Aggressor - Taucher.Net