In an effort to help the devastating aftermath from Hurricane Joaquin in the Bahamas, Captain Ed Thompson from the Blue Heaven has been spearheading efforts to help and contacted us to help spread the word. Below is copy he wrote from his blog. Please follow and subscribe to his blog for updates on the efforts. Access his blog by visiting http://reportsfromtherip.blogspot.com
By Capt. Ed Thompason
There are lots of pics on the internet of damage on San Salvador. But, Nothing prepared me for the magnitude of the damages that I saw when We flew my boss’s plane to the island yesterday to bring in 1500 lbs of supplies.
We flew in yesterday to San Salvador. The airport was bustling with activity, We unloaded our supplies and got a short tour of the central part of the island in the little time we had there.
Every house on the island has damages. There are some homes that only have shingle damages and there are some that have large potions of their roofs missing. There is no Power on the island. Half way through the storm, the power plant building lost its roof. I toured the power plant and while no one could say when power will be restored, It was hinted that it could be as much as 3-4 weeks before the island could get full power back. All of the spare filters and parts that were stored on the second flood of the power plant were ruined when the roof came off.
I will say that I had to put away my man card yesterday a few times. This has been an emotional journey for me. I was choked up a few times yesterday but my emotions are nothing compared to what our friends are dealing with on the island.
One thing that I think shows the magnitude of the storm is the changes to Sandy Point. When flying in, we did a fly by up the islands west coast. Sandy Point on the south west end of the island is reduced to a small nub. The point use to be a giant beach that jutted out to into the water with 800 feet of water a stones throw away. Where did all that sand go. Those of you that have been to that point or fished off Sandy point Will be shocked to see the picture now.
Cockburn town has wires down and some powerpoles still down but the road is passable. I heard that the road in long bay is slightly eroded but passable. I did not make it up the road to the north end of the island. But reports are that all homes have damage and some have extensive damage……..
WHILE WRITING THIS…. I just spoke to Paterson from the Tin Mans Pride. He reported that a Mail boat just left from Nassau. It has a large commercial Gen set on board as well as some small generators. It is also carrying a full compliment of relief supplies.
If anyone wants to donate supplies just get them to the Mail boat docks in Nassau as I am hearing that a big effort is being made there.
I started a Gofund me account the day after the storm. As of this morning it was up to $20,000 dollars. You can go to the account and see who has donated.
What pleases me so much is how the boat and yacht owners that visit San Sal regularly has stepped up to the table. They have been a driving force in this donation campaign. Its so nice to see. Just as as good to see is the rest of the donations. Some as little as 5 dollars shows how people that may not be able to donate much money are wanting to what they can. My thanks goes out to you all. As of this morning, The account has reached $20,000 dollars. The Blue water brotherhood came thru for our friends on San Sal.
I have received calls from many of our friends wanting to know how they can help. Just Donate. Boots on the ground will not help much at this point. You will only hurt the supplies on the island and there is not much good housing available.
I heard from Devin Silas on the ” Shoe” last night. He was departing the states this morning and heading for Flying fish marina with a loaded down Spencer. He had extensive supplies on board for long island. Good job to him and the other sport fish boats I have talked to that are now in transit to Rum San Sal and Long island with supplies and to sit there and make water.
I am willing to talk to anyone that has questions about what I saw on my visit to the island 727-470-3028
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