Indonesia’s coral reefs, and the tourism industry they support, just suffered a huge blow. A British-owned cruise ship just smashed through 1,600 square meters of pristine coral reef when it ran aground during low tide.

Raja Ampat is known for its pristine coral reefs that attract tourists from across the world to see its renowned beauty. But with the local economy based on dive tourism, many worry that their livelihoods are now at risk.

“I am so sad and ashamed to take tourists there,” diving instructor Ruben Sauyai said of the damaged reefs. A spokesperson of Noble Caledonia, the cruise company responsible for the damage, said the company is “firmly committed” to protecting the environment. But it’s going to take more than kind words to repair the environmental and economic damages it caused.

Tell Noble Caledonia to pay full compensation for the damages it caused to Raja Ampat coral reefs.

An official investigation showed that an incredible 1,600 square meters of damage was caused when the 4,290-tonne ship ran aground. Videos from local divers show stretches of torn, bleached coral where a colorful ecosystem of reefs and fish once thrived.  

Ricardo Tapilatu, estimated the company owed up to $1.92 million in compensation. But the costs don’t end there: tourist industry workers worry that the damage may deter some of the thousands of people who visit the reefs each year, threatening the local economy.

Noble Caledonia called the damages “unfortunate” and said it is fully cooperating with the official investigation. But cooperation alone isn’t enough -- we need to come together to make sure Noble Caledonia commits to paying full compensation for the damages it caused to Raja Ampat’s pristine reefs.