Haba team still in the dark



Thursday 2 December 2010

Haba team still in the dark

 

by Mat Churchill


The investigation into the sinking of the Haba dive boat in Meridien Marina on 14 November has been completed by Maritime Safety Queensland according to Haba's Deb Dominick.


However the reason for the incident which saw over 30 employees lose their jobs remains unknown.

"The assessors have finished (the investigation) but we know nothing as yet. Their report is still being finalised," Ms Dominick said.

Ms Dominick said it's still too early for Haba owner Bruce Funch to make decisions on the future of the company.

"We don't know where we stand and if the boat is a write-off. Bruce still has the Haba business and permits, and if he wants to purchase or build another boat it's up to him," she said.

Ms Dominick said it may be a good opportunity for him to review his options and assess if he wants to remain in the industry.

A group of Haba employees continue to volunteer their time with the company and have assisted with the selling of assets.

A garage sale was held recently at Haba's Craiglie shed which raised thousands of dollars in much needed funds, and Ms Dominick said another is planned for this weekend.

"The first weekend went really well. We still have some dive equipment and flippers for sale but a lot of it will be office equipment that we didn't have room for in the first sale."

Gates will open from 8am on Saturday and Sunday.

The Haba team, and including Mr Funch, are grateful for the supportive comments from The Newsport readers.