Scientology Asbestos Ship Hazard - Coverup Exposed, Thousands At Risk

A large-scale asbestos scandal is being covered up by the
negligent organization, the Church
of Scientology.

As of the 28^th of April, 2008,
the Freewinds cruise ship has been sealed by authorities at the Mathey wharf in Otrobanda, Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles,
following the discovery of blue asbestos throughout the ship’s structure. Asbestos is a carcinogen, known to cause
both mesothelioma and asbestosis. Blue asbestos is considered to be the most
dangerous type of asbestos.

The Church of Scientology
owns and operates the Freewinds. The Curacao Drydock Company (CDM) was contracted to perform
hull repairs, and in the course of their work the surveyor noted the potential
hazard. The ship’s captain admitted that asbestos was accidentally released
into the ventilation system but this incident was kept secret, even as
refurbishment and repairs were being carried out. Samples taken from the ship
by inspectors tested positive for significant amounts of blue asbestos. Local
authorities took steps to inform the public of the situation, in order to avoid
rumours and unnecessary panic.

The Freewinds is particularly contaminated with blue
asbestos because it was originally designed as a car ferry (with the need for
extensive fire-proofing). Asbestos fibres are likely to have been disturbed by
the vibration of the hull experienced during voyages. Lawrence Woodcraft, a
former Scientologist who worked on the ship as an architect, noted the asbestos
hazard and promptly reported it to his superiors in 1987 (see his 2001
affidavit for details at
http://www.lermanet.com/scientology/LawrenceWoodcraftAsbestos.htm ).

Unfortunately, Church leaders did not consider asbestos to
be a problem because Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had declared fibreglass
as dangerous, with no mention of asbestos in his extensive writings.
Furthermore, Scientology teachings describe an alternate process as the cause
of cancer, emphasizing personal choice and problems with relationships. Removal
or containment of the asbestos was not conducted.

Thousands of people from around the world have been aboard the ship since 1987.
They may have been exposed to blue asbestos because no appropriate action was
taken to make the ship safe. Scientologists have worked on the Freewinds as staff
and crew for extended periods of time. Scientologists in the Sea Organization were used
to perform extensive renovations on the ship and were not provided with the
appropriate protective equipment. Parishioners from all over the world have
paid to attend coursework, training courses and celebrations aboard the
Freewinds. Residents have attended functions on the Freewinds at
many locations where it has docked.

An outright denial has been issued by Scientology spokesperson Karin Pouw (see
the text below).

Reports in local newspapers:

Staff. 'Freewinds hides information about presence of asbestos'. The Daily
Herald. April 28, 2008.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, Netherlands
Antilles. http://www.thedailyherald.com (article access
requires subscription)

http://bonairereporter.com/news/008pdfs/newcurrent.pdf
(see page 8)

Online news reports:

http://www.insurancenewsnet.com/article.asp?n=1&neID=200805023600.3_33bc000d60868fe7


http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/10545/scientologists-exposed-to-asbestos.html

http://newsblaze.com/story/20080501044835tsop.nb/newsblaze/OPINIONS/Opinions.html

http://radaronline.com/exclusives/2008/04/scientology-freewinds-asbestos-tom-cruise.php

http://glosslip.com/2008/04/29/glosslip-exclusive-scientology-cruise-ship-freewinds-hides-asbestos-danger/

Contacts:

Curacao Drydock Company, Inc. Dokweg 1, Koningsplein, P.O. Box 3012, Curacao,
Netherlands Antilles

Telephone: +(5999)-733-0000

Fax: +(5999)-736-5580

E-mail: info@cdmnv.com

The Daily Herald, Bush Road 22, P.O.Box 828, Philipsburg, Sint Maarten,
Netherlands Antilles

Telephone: +599-54-25253 +599-54-25597 +599-54-20931 +599-54-37236

Fax: +599-54-25913

Scientology's Denial:
The Freewinds regularly inspects the air quality on board and always meets
or exceeds US standards. Inspections done on April 15, 2008 and April 28, 2008
again confirmed that the air quality is safe, in accordance with the standards
set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Clean Air
Act.

Karin Pouw