Arthur C. Clarke Loses Diving School

Posted on December 28, 2004

Arthur C. Clarke, the author of 2001: A Space Odyssey and many other popular science fiction novels, has survived the terrible tsunami that struck Sri Lanka, but his diving school in Hikkaduwa has disappeared and workers are missing. Clarke has lived in Colombo, Sri Lanka, since 1956.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Clarke said in a statement, "We still don't know the full extent of damage as both roads and phones have been damaged. Early reports indicate that we have lost most of our diving equipment and boats. Not all our staff members are accounted for yet."

That huge waves can have a deadly impact on Sri Lanka's coast is not news to Clarke. A book he wrote about the country discussed tidal waves that hit the Galle harbor in 1883, following the Krakatoa eruption. Clarke expressed deep concern for the nation's present disaster. "This is indeed a disaster of unprecedented magnitude for Sri Lanka which lacks the resources and capacity to cope with the aftermath," said Clarke.