Expedition to Mount Dukono that left three hikers dead, advertised on “constant eruption” "raw" and beginner friendly
SS FROM GOTHEOUTSIDE/INSTAGRAM (removed now)
Honestly disturbed after seeing the promotional poster for the North Maluku “Ring of Fire” expedition linked to the Mount Dukono tragedy that left 2 Singaporean dead (One of them being the founder of the expedition).
The ‘constant eruption’ there wasn't treated as a warning sign but more on expected, and even framed as part of the selling point appeal, something participants were expected to witness as part of the expedition. The group hiked knowing/expecting there will be eruptions.
Reports have also said that Mount Dukono was under alert for some time and that activity within a 4km radius of the crater was prohibited yet the group access the area and ignored the official restrictions. The risk involved here have been severely downplayed, putting many lives at risk, beyond just the participants, but also the local guides and even rescuers team on the lookout when this trip commence.
I’m not saying this to attack the victims. The loss of life is heartbreaking. But when an expedition advertise “constant eruption” & that (Yes, really) caption to center rim on active volcano as part of the appeal even understating the risk involved? When people later die near the volcano, it is fair to ask whether the adventure was irresponsibly packaged and whether preventable risks were normalised as part of the experience.
Side note, the same people and expedition company were previously associated to this incident too https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/two-singaporeans-die-after-canoes-capsize-in-south-african-river
And this recount as well, where founder name was mentioned.