PDI makes tsunami donation through submarine firm

Pacific Development Inc. has donated $500 to aid in the disaster relief in Phuket, Thailand, the donation stemming from its longstanding relationship with Pacific Subsea Saipan Inc., which operates a branch office in Phuket called Phuket Submarine.

PDI president Joji Kawaguchi and general manager Yoichi Matsumura went to the office of Pacific Subsea president Stephen J. Nutting yesterday to present him a check in the amount of $500 to assist in the disaster relief for Phuket.

Matsumura expressed his condolences for the victims of the tsunami, and said that PDI wanted to do something to offer assistance.

Because of the long friendship between PDI and Pacific Subsea, PDI said it decided that the best way to assist with the relief efforts was to donate through Pacific Subsea’s affiliate, Phuket Submarine, which is well situated to see that the money could be used to assist those who are in immediate need.

Pacific Subsea’s president expressed his thanks for the donation and for PDI’s “unexpected but appreciated thoughtfulness and generosity.” Nutting said that he will immediately remit the funds to Phuket Submarine’s general manager in Phuket, Troy Williams.

Pacific Subsea Saipan has been operating the “Yellow Submarine” in the Tanapag lagoon since early 1992. Pacific Subsea began its operations using PDI as its exclusive sales agent to market its submarine tours to all of Saipan’s tourists and tour agents. After years of successful operations, Pacific Subsea decided to expand its business to the island of Phuket in southern Thailand. After two years of marketing research and negotiations with the Thai government, a new sister company, Phuket Submarine, was formed for the operation of a new “Yellow Submarine,” which has been in operation since December of 2003.

The island of Phuket has continued to struggle to repair the damage caused by the tsunami disaster, which struck the island. The physical destruction to the island of Phuket and the blow to the economy there has left the island in devastation. Phuket Submarine reports that primarily through the strength and will of the Thai people, the island has made great progress in repairing the physical damage to the island. The psychological damage, and the blow to the tourist driven economy may take years to repair.