Safety Updates
The safety of our passengers, leaders and operators is a major priority of Intrepid. With this in mind we monitor world events very closely. Intrepid makes operational decisions based on informed advice from a number of sources...
- The level of the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT) travel advisory. If this advisory is at Level 5 'Do Not Travel' then Intrepid will either cancel a trip or reroute the itinerary to avoid the areas concerned.
- With over 400 leaders on the ground in operational destinations and subsidiary companies in our main hub cities, Intrepid has access to a up to the minute flow of information as to the mood and feelings within the countries we work in.
- We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
- Other Government travel advisories...
- World Health Organisation
safety guidelines
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.Galapagos (04 July 08)
Further to our update on 2 July 08, we are receiving unconfirmed reports that the 300 gallons of fuel on board the MS Spondylus, which ran aground on 1 July, has been successfully drained by members of the Charles Darwin Research Centre and thus poses no danger to the fragile environment of Genovesa Island and it's immediate surrounds.
While we are still seeking confirmation from the Charles Darwin Research Centre, this is a heartening development and our sincere thanks go out to all those involved in the operation.
Galapagos (03 July 08)
Due to the accident involving the chartered boat MS Spondylus and the unavailability of any immediate replacement charter boats during high season in the Galapagos, the following Intrepid ocean-based trips have been cancelled, effective immediately:
Galapagos Adventure - 10 days (GSF)
Galapagos Adventure - 7 days (GSG)
Galapagos Adventure - 6 days (GSH)
Galapagos & Inca Trail (GSX)
Peru In Depth & Galapagos (GSW)
July 2008 Departures
All travellers booked on the above trips for Jul 08 will be offered a full refund and the option to re-book onto any available departure of our land-based Galapagos trip, the Active Galapagos (http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/gxf)
August 2008 Departures
All travellers booked on the above trips for Aug 08 will be offered a full refund and the option to re-book onto any available departure of our land-based Galapagos trip, the Active Galapagos (http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/gxf)
Intrepid and our trusted local partners are currently working on providing a new, less active land-based itinerary to commence operations from 1 August 2008. As soon as details of this new itinerary are finalised and confirmed we will update this site.
September 2008 Departures
All travellers booked on the above trips for Sep 08 will be offered a full refund and the option to:
Re-book onto any available departure of our land-based Galapagos trip, the Active Galapagos (http://www.intrepidtravel.com/trips/gxf)
Re-book onto Intrepid's new, less active land-based itinerary
October 2008 Departures
Along with working on a new land-based itinerary, Intrepid continue to work hard on securing the services of a new charter boat to start operations from 1 Oct 08 onwards to run our original itineraries.
For trips departing in Oct 08 please note that Intrepid will review the situation again on Friday 25 Jul 08 and post an update on this site.
Intrepid staff will be contacting all passengers booked on affected trips departing from today (3 Jul 08) to 30 Sep 08 to confirm these changes.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Galapagos
Galapagos (02 July 08)
The Galapagos boat MS Spondylus (chartered by Intrepid) ran aground at Genovesa Island in the early hours of Tuesday 1st July. The boat started taking on water, resulting in all passengers safely transferring to another boat.
All passengers, staff and crew are safe and comfortable.
At this stage the exact circumstances of the cause of the accident are unknown however, we will continue to support local authorities in any inquiries they have. The latest information we have is that the boat has not sunk and attempts to salvage the vessel will be made at the safest and earliest opportunity in order to prevent any negative environmental impacts.
All passengers have been taken to the main town of Puerto Ayora on the main Galapagos Island of Santa Cruz where Intrepid have provided accommodation and ongoing support through our trusted local contacts. Intrepid staff are enroute to Puerto Ayora where they will meet with passengers to provide further assistance.
All travelers have been advised to contact family and friends.
Regarding future trips to the Galapagos Islands, Intrepid is currently attempting to source alternate operators. We will post our full cancellation policy on this site and all trips affected by 5.00pm Melbourne time Thursday 3rd July 2008.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Galapagos
Mongolia (02 July 08)
POLITICAL UNREST IN MONGOLIA
A state of emergency has been declared in Ulaanbaatar until Wednesday 4th July due to recent violent protests about the result of the recent election.
The state of emergency means protests are banned and authorises security forces to break up protests using force.
Central areas have been put under curfew from 10:00pm to 8:00pm (local time) and alcohol sales are banned over the period.
The situation is now calm, with no threats to the safety or itineraries of any of any Intrepid groups in Mongolia.
All Intrepid passengers and staff in Mongolia are all safe and well.
We are in constant contact with our staff on the ground in Mongolia and will continue to monitor the situation closely.
For further information please see the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs website: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Mongolia
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