Sailors to the Rescue

In the aftermath of a devastating tropical storm last week that left many residents of the Eastern Caribbean island of Dominica homeless and its airport unusable, Caribbean sailors as well as visiting international cruisers are being asked to help bring in desperately needed supplies.

When Tropical Storm Erika hit the formerly British island nation last Thursday, it dropped 13 inches of rain in a half day, causing widespread flooding and infrastructure damage. At least 20 are confirmed dead (with many more still missing), and hundreds are homeless, some of whom reportedly have no source of income. Bridges are out and some roads are impassible.

The situation is so dire that the local marine association has put out a desperate plea for help from Caribbean boaters and cruisers. "Dominica Marine Association is appealing to the international marine and yachting communities to assist us in any way possible," said DMA President Hulbert Winston in a statement earlier this week. "For yachts interested in bringing in supplies such as diapers, baby formula, baby bottles, bottled water, nonperishable food, dry food, school supplies, battery operated lamps, batteries, personal hygiene goods, and more, please notify the Dominica Marine Association before entering port (Roseau or Portsmouth) so all Custom duties would be waived once you arrive." 

This is the first time we can recall that sailors have been enlisted in a relief effort in the Caribbean since Haiti’s devastating earthquake in 2010. Meanwhile, half a world away in Vanuatu, a variety of cruisers and sailboat-transported aid teams have helped with relief efforts there in the aftermath of Category 5 Cyclone Pam, which devastated the island chain last March. 

Many cruisers feel they live a very privileged lifestyle compared to worldwide norms, and as a result some are eager to ‘give back’ however they can. If you know of other sailor-assisted relief efforts, we’d love to hear about them.