The measure of what is dangerous depends on to whom and by what. “Most dangerous” is, by definition, a meaningless term, unless put in very specific context. These things are true of the new WWF most dangerous “hot spots” in the world’s oceans. They may be good for swimming and fishing. As far as big ships go, they should be avoided.

The WWF study commissioned for World Oceans Day states:

“Since 1999 there have been 293 shipping accidents in the South China Sea and east Indies, home of the Coral Triangle and 76 per cent of the world’s coral species.” said Dr Simon Walmsley, Marine Manger, WWF International. “As recently as April this year we`ve seen a Chinese fishing boat run aground on a protected coral reef in the Philippines that had already been damaged by a US Navy ship in January.”

Fishing vessels accounted for nearly a quarter of the vessels lost at sea but general cargo ships account for over 40 per cent. Cargo ships often operate short shipping routes, associated with the tramp trading where ships don’t have a set route and pick up opportunistic trade, particularly in Southeast Asia.

So, most of the world’s oceans are very safe for navigation, until they are not
Climate change models show increased storm surges, changing wind and wave patterns and extreme weather events which are likely to exacerbate the risks of foundering leading to potential catastrophic environmental destruction. Fifty per cent of all accidents are caused by foundering, where a boat sinks due to rough weather, leaks or breaking in two.

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