Just curious if the platform/ladder has been repaired/undergoing repair? We leave in 5 days to spent 2 wonderful weeks! Can't wait!!!!! Thanks for any feedback, Jennifer

Hi Jennifer... Hope you have a great trip. I agree with you a week on BON is not enough time to get into the rhythm for sure. Going for two weeks is the way to do it for sure. The ladder was fixed when I was there last month but the bottom two rungs of the ladder was missing the step. The aluminum bar was there but the step itself was missing. Not to worry, you will be able to get out. Send us some pics of your trip!

Greg --

Big waves took out the entire ladder and platform. I am all but certain it is still out. I'll try and post a reply later this week after I see check it out.

Hi
Not that it means much now, but when the ladder last went missing about 5 or 6 years ago, it was not repaired for more than 6 months.
I don't know who paid for it then, but I don't think it was the Park Service. I believe Caribbean Club had something to do with it. It's to their advantage of course, but jobs like that don't come cheap.
As some of you know a lot of the resort docks were damaged, some gone completely. Bruce Bowker's dock gone. Divi,s south dock gone.
It will take a while for this damage to be repaired.
Mick

I am so happy that no one was hurt during Omar! Of course there is much worse damage that needs to be repaired other than Oil Slick Leap. I am just being selfish in really wanting to dive that site. It is one of my favorites, mostly because of the "leap"! Was a favorite night dive as well. Oh well - I am sure we will survive

Greg, Our 1st trip 2 years ago was for only a week and just not enough time! Last year was 2 weeks. This year 16 days. Seems to get longer every year!!! Can not wait!!! We will be there on Wednesday!!!

I just confirmed -- there is no ladder presently at oil slick. The larger platform at top seems to have undergone some very recent repair work.

It will likely take some real effort and money to get the ladder fixed.

Thanks for the update David!! hummm.... who would we talk to about helping to fix it. I am traveling with a few carpenters....

My husband just suggested a great idea, IMHO. Charge each pod person a minimal Omar Cleanup Fee to finance ladder replacements, etc. Are they required to purchase a tag to snorkel?

This is whats left of Oil Slick
http://s23.photobucket.com/albums/b357/reefdiverz/?action=view&current=IMG_3889.jpg

Don - Impressive change to the exit from Oil Slick. Of course a giant stride still gets you in - then what??? I thought Caribbean Club was sort or responsible for that site so hopefully as part of the Buddy Dive chain they can get a new ladder. That is one of my favorite dives.

Just FYI: the platform now has planking in place (that was as of noon today -- so someone is working on it).

David, thanks again for the update. I feel a bit selfish wondering if it will be fixed so we can dive it. But, I just can not help myself!!!!!!!!!!! 2 more days!!

Hey Jenn,
Yes, the platform and ladder are back at Oilslick!
Happy Diving!

hey scubachickemt...you still on island?? will you take a photo of the new platform and ladder? PA-LEEZ???

Sorry, I left Saturday!

Kristi, the deck and the ladder are sure there , we did a dive on them today,,, if you go north when you jump in it looks as if it snowed,,, haven't been south yet but when we go back I will take the camera,,, A lot of sand/soil washed away in the parking area and surrounding areas.. it is all iron shore now instead of a patch of sand here and there... we were surprised in the change on the land as well as under the sea... I think the reason it was replaced so fast is that Stinapta has its offices right there.. last time we were here they were elsewhere,,,

Freddie, is the coral covered with a lot of sand, or is it a small amount that can be fanned off?

wow, thanks SFMF

SWEET!!!!!!!!!!!!!! we arrive saturday!!!
><((((º>
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Oilslick is the housereef for Caribbean Club, maybe they poped the money for the repairs?

Great to hear the ladder is back at Oil Slick; it's one of my favourite dives.

With the extra sand all over the reefs now, are there fewer fish/creatures in those areas too? Just wondering...

(Message edited by Natalie_S on November 5, 2008)

have you seen my oilslick videos yet...live action video of omar...we were there during and after...I am sooo glad it is all back up

the sand is what eden and ole blue and Karpata looked like the 17th