Church of Scientology ship with asbestos problem

Scientologists put at risk for asbestos exposure

Curacao, Netherlands Antilles - Asbestos has been discovered on a cruise ship owned by the Church of Scientology and thousands of people may have been exposed to the deadly substance.

The MV Freewinds, the organization's ship, was sealed and quarantined at a wharf in Otrobanda on April 28 after local inspectors confirmed that there was a significant amount of asbestos present on the ship. Samples were taken from the ship's ventilation system last week after the Freewind's captain gave a statement that said blue asbestos had been released on multiple occasions while Church of Scientology members were on board. The people had paid to be there to attend Scientology classes, training courses and social events.

The Curacao Drydock Company had been working on repairs on the ship but has now stopped due to concerns over asbestos exposure. Top officials from Drydock, the Department of Labour Affairs and the local Health Department accompanied the two inspectors who surveyed the Freewinds.

The Executive Council announced the news to the public soon after their meeting to prevent rumors and reduce panic. The council recommends that anyone who has been on the MV Freewinds should get a health checkup to determine their level of exposure and continue to monitor their health from now on.

Another incident regarding the Church of Scientology putting their members at risk for asbestos exposure occurred in 2001. A former member who had worked on the Freewinds in 1987 filed an affidavit claiming he had found blue asbestos on the ship back then also.

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