NEWS

WIRES

OTHER

Scientology Asbestos Ship Quarantined, Thousands May Have Suffered Exposure

MV Freewinds is a cruise ship owned and operated by the Church of Scientology under the name 'Majestic Cruise Lines'. Thousands of people have been aboard the MV Freewinds after paying to attend Scientology courses, training services and functions.

As of April 28, 2008, the MV Freewinds has been sealed and quarantined at the Mathey warf in Otrobanda, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles, following the discovery of significant amounts of blue asbestos in the ship's structure. A statement from the ship's captain has revealed previous incidents where blue asbestos was released into the ship's ventilation system. The Curaçao Drydock Company (CDM) was contracted to conduct refurbishment and repairs on the MV Freewinds, but has ceased work due to the risk of exposure to the asbestos.

CDM interim director Frank Esser and deputy head of the Department of Labour Affairs Christiene van der Biezen were accompanied by two inspectors and the head of the local Health Department, Tico Ras. Samples taken from the paneling last week by inspectors showed that they contained significant amounts of blue asbestos. After an extraordinary meeting, the Executive Council decided to inform the public in general about the incident to avoid rumors and panic.

Anyone who has been aboard MV Freewinds may wish to see their doctor to assess their level of exposure, and commence appropriate health monitoring and management.

Seven years ago, allegations were made that Scientologists aboard the Freewinds were being put at risk of asbestos exposure. An affidavit filed in 2001 by Lawrence Woodcraft, a former Scientologist and trained architect, claims that Woodcraft encountered the blue asbestos while working on the ship in 1987, and promptly informed Scientology leaders. It appears that for over 21 years, the Church of Scientology has knowingly exposed passengers to what is generally considered the most lethal form of asbestos.

Contacts:
Curacao Drydock Company, Inc. Dokweg 1, Koningsplein, P.O. Box 3012, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles
Telephone:
+(5999)-733-0000
Fax:
+(5999)-736-5580
E-mail:
info@cdmnv.com

The Daily Herald, Bush Road 22, P.O.Box 828, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands Antilles
Telephone:
+599-54-25253
+599-54-25597
+599-54-20931
+599-54-37236
Fax:
+599-54-25913

Reference:

Staff. 'Freewinds hides information about presence of asbestos'. The Daily Herald. April 28, 2008.
Gray, Tyler. 'Scandal on the Lido Deck: Scientology Cruise Ship Exposing Passengers to Asbestos?'. Radar Online. Radar Magazine. April 30, 2008. Available online at: http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/04/scientology-freewinds-asbestos-tom-cruise.php

Woodcraft, Lawrence. 'Declaration of Lawrence Woodcraft'. January 24, 2001. Available online at: http://www.lermanet.com/scientology/LawrenceWoodcraftAsbestos.htm