The Department of Tourism is 'deeply concerned' that an activity featured in one of its current series of television adverts is being misrepresented as the controversial and highly dangerous craze known as Tombstoning.
The United Kingdom's Maritime Coastguard Agency has been quoted in the UK national media as condemning the 30-second commercial as "highly irresponsible", saying Tombstoning shouldn't be encouraged under any circumstances.
But Tourism Minister Martyn Quayle says the person featured in the advert is practising the long-standing and legal activity of Coasteering, which involves kayaking, rock traversing, jumping and diving.
He is shown wearing protective clothing, including a helmet, and is described by Mr Quayle as "a highly trained and experienced practitioner of adventure sports, who ensures that safety is at the forefront of all his adventure activities".
Tombstoning involves leaping into the sea from high cliffs, often landing a few feet from rocks.
(Picture: Coasteerer in protective clothing, as featured in the DTL television advert, from gov.im/tourism).
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