Murex Founder Inducted to Scuba Diver’s Hall of Fame (ISDHF)
We are absolutely delighted that Dr Hanny Batuna, founder of Murex Dive Resorts, has been announced as one of next year’s inductees to the International Scuba Divers Hall of Fame (ISDHF). The ISDHF is the most prestigious event in Scuba Diving and annually recognizes those who have contributed to the success and growth of recreational scuba diving in dive travel, entertainment, art, equipment design and development, education, exploration and adventure. The ISDHF was founded in 2000 by the Cayman Islands Ministry of Tourism and we are overwhelmed that they are recognizing our pioneering founder.
Many of you may have met Dr. Batuna before he sadly passed away in 2014. He was not only an intrepid adventurer and explorer but a true gentleman and loved by all who knew him.
Dr. Batuna was the first scuba diver in North Sulawesi and he dedicated his life to promoting diving, protecting the marine eco-system and discovering dive sites. Here at Murex we continue to follow in his foot-steps and our dive sites continue to flourish.
Dr Batuna was also instrumental in the provision of the only recompression chamber in Manado and, as the first conservationist in the area, he was also actively involved in the creation of the Bunaken Marine Park.
At ADEX (Asian Dive Expo) 2014, Dr. Batuna was also inducted as a board member to the Historical Diving Society.
Dr Hanny is one of only six 2018 inductees which include Stephen Frink, Dick Rutkowski, Wulf H. Koehler, and Boris Porotov, along with Early Pioneer Award honoree, Captain Philippe Tailliez who was known as one of “Les Mousquemers”, or “The Three Musketeers of the Sea”, along with Jacques Yves Cousteau and Frederic Dumas.
Danny Charlton, son-in-law of Dr. Batuna and co-owner of Murex Dive Resorts, was delighted with the news, “This is such a wonderful tribute to a passionate diving pioneer who for years dedicated his time to helping locals develop themselves and showing divers the treasures of what North Sulawesi has to offer”.
Dr. Batuna will be officially inducted into the Hall of Fame during a special awards ceremony and dinner held in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands on September 14th 2018.
For more information about Dr. Batuna’s induction check here.
Our flagship program, Passport to Paradise, was Dr. Batuna’s dream – to share his love of these three diverse areas in North Sulawesi (Bunaken, Bangka and Lembeh) with divers from around the world. We are extremely privileged to be continuing his legacy!
To book your next North Sulawesi diving adventure contact us on: reservations@murexdive.com
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Murex Dive Resorts soon.