Tonga Blue PTY
DISCOVERING, CONSERVING & PROTECTING TONGA'S LOST MARITIME HISTORY
In October 2011, Don McIntyre and Mark Belvedere joined forces to form a Tongan company, Tonga Blue Pty. This represented the culmination of over 12 months planning, to develop a recognized Professional Wreck Hunting and Archaeologically responsible operation. This was inline with plans previously discussed with the Tongan Govt. We hope this leads to the development of a new Tongan permit process for underwater archaeology.
Tonga Blue’s sole objective is to undertake legitimate, Govt. endorsed efforts, to recover the hidden maritime past of the “Friendly Isles” and bring to life the many stories lost. McIntyre and Belvedere have a high level of collective experience in this area and a proven track record of managing similar projects. They come prepared and equipped to act and are excited about the opportunities.
Tonga Blue will never claim any wrecks as it’s own. These wrecks are all legitimately owned by the Kingdom of Tonga and secondly, by the local Tongans in that specific area. A major focus of our activities is to assist and empower the local communities, to take control and ownership of the wrecks in their area. The Govt. of the Kingdom of Tonganow recognizes that the fish surrounding an island should be controlled by and for those living on that island. This principle we believe should carry over to Historic wrecks. Tonga Blue will never enter an area to work, unless it receives a written invitation from the people of that area seeking assistance and then, only after Tonga Blue has accepted that invitation in writing so there is no confusion and total transparency.
As a “team”, McIntyre and Belvedere can bring together contacts and known associates in specialist fields. This will ensure all delicate recovery operations are not only “responsible and accountable”, but to world’s best practice. If you have a project you would like to discuss with TONGA BLUE your confidential enquiry is welcome.
Don McIntyre is recognized as one of Australia’s greatest explorers and adventurers and has had a diverse and successful corporate and business life, with an even more interesting career exploring all corners of the globe. You only need to “Google” his name to find multiple listings. He has received many accolades and awards for his achievements and in 2012 the Australian Geographic Society presented him with it’s most prestigious honor, a Gold medal for “A Lifetime of Adventure”, only the 12th time ever it has been awarded. On a previous Government approved “Wreck Hunting” expedition in the Philippines in 2003, McIntyre used his 36mtr, 600 tonne, Helicopter equipped ship “Sir Hubert Wilkins”. It carried a recompression chamber, ROV, magnetometers, Nitrox, sonar, dredges and could support up to 28 people. McIntyre brings a high level of expertise and experience to this new project in Tonga.