2 Attachment(s)
Archipelago Fleet Closess after 2 Boats Damaged & Destroyed
Sadly some of the nicest liveaboard ships to sail the waters of Indonesia as well as the company that ran that are no more.
The Archipeligo II ran aground during a storm, and the backup vessel the Sea Safari III ran aground not long after according to reports. While aground, locals reportedly cannabalized the ship, then torched what was left which made the major refloating and repairs needed for the Archipelago II untenable.
According to PT BIP Nusatirta, the parent company of Archipelago, shareholders of Archipelago (PT BIP Nusatirta), after the damage and loss of two vessels, they said had no choice but to close the business.
Archipelago reports they closed the cruise operations on December 20th 2010.
They issued the following statement:
"Regrettably, this unfortunate but unavoidable decision will affect many individuals and groups of guests who have cruises planned with Archipelago, however the Shareholders and Board of Directors of PT BIP Nusatirta, the parent company of Archipelago, will maintain the following financial responsibilities;
• Guests who have paid in full, or deposited towards future cruises, will be paid back in full by the company.
• Payments for domestic flights and hotels booked by Archipelago on behalf of guests, will also be refunded in full by the company.
• Archipelago will uphold promises to guests concerning partial refunds for those who joined the Sea Safari III replacement vessel after the incident with the Archipelago Adventurer II.
For any guest wishing clarification or information regarding the refund process or the timeframe that payments are to be made, please contact the email address settlement@archipelago-fleet.com from where the legal representatives of PT BIP Nusatirta will assist with the claim and process the refund.
Your patience and understanding is appreciated at this time of difficulty."
Most companies would duck and run, but considering the great reputation Archipelago had, it comes as no surprise that they STILL are going to do the right thing.
We are saddened by the loss of such a great company and two really exceptional live aboards, and we hope her crew finds gainful employment, but we hope the Archipelago people take solace in that for years you brought such great memories and experiences of a lifetime to so many peoples' lives, and although your ships may be no more, those memories of good times and friends will last forever.
