US envoy expressed regret over Tubbataha incident

Yes, especially as you cant replace 2,345.67 square meters of coral reef overnight.

It's not actually a lot of reef - she was only a wooden minesweeper - and the only way to replace damaged coral is to allow fresh coral to grow.

I'd be pretty certain that more damage is done annually by dive boats.

USS Freedom arrives in Singapore

"A US Navy ship has arrived in Singapore as part of US plans to increase its military presence in the region.

The USS Freedom will be stationed in South East Asia for 10 months.

It joins the US 7th Fleet, which is responsible for more than 48 million sq miles (124 million sq km) in the Pacific."

Maybe this boat with a shallow draft, will be able to navigate the reef areas in the region?


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-22201745