Controversy is stalling an artificial-reef project that calls for a former Canadian warship to be sunk in Acapulco Bay. The reason: lack of an environmental impact study and other Mexican permits. In late 1999, businessmen Josefat Cortés and Carlos Estrabeau of Acapulco’s Ocean Promoter Society (Apromar) brokered a $280,000 deal for the 2,800-ton, 366-foot (112-meter) Restigouche from the Artificial Reef Society of British Columbia (ARSBC) and transport the destroyer escort to Mexico. The project attracted public criticism and an investigation by the Mexican Attorney General’s office when it was revealed that the public money used for the acquisition included $100,000 from a federal anti-poverty program. Rough political waters continued to batter the Restigouche when it arrived in Acapulco last November... [Log in to read more]
