On 8 August, Philippe Germa, Director of the World Wide Foundation (WWF) from France, has disappeared at sea during a snorkeling excursion in Rangiroa. Following this tragic accident, his family has created the PHILIPPE ULYSSES GERMA foundation with the support of the WWF France and its president, Isabelle Autissier, who is the godmother.
ULYSSES PHILIPPE GERMA appeals for donations in order to work for the prevention of accidents at sea in French Polynesia. A website to raise funds is dedicated : www.ulysse-pgerma.fr.
All the funds received will help to inform the public on the danger from the strong underwater currents to prevent similar accidents. It will also serve to promote trainings and information to enhance risk prevention, pespecially for the tourism professionals.
“The beauty of the French polynesian beaches must not make the people forget that the ocean always presents dangers.
The tragic death of Philip, ocean lovers, will not have been in vain if it helps to educate the tourists who frequent these sites and avoid new tragedies, “said Jean-Michel Germa, twin brother of Philippe and chairman of the association.
It is with the support of the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia that the ULYSSES PHILIPPE GERMA Association coordinates the operation between the different stakeholders, the Marine Rescue Coordination Center of Papeete (MRCC), the Federation for the Mutual Polynesian assistance for the Sea Rescue (FEPSM), and the French polynesian Minister for the Tourism.
