Following the havoc caused by Category 5 Super Storm Cyclone Winston in Fiji last weekend, YachtAid Global is leading the relief effort from superyachts in the region.
YachtAid Global – the organisation dedicated to delivering humanitarian, developmental and conservation aid from superyachts to isolated and underprivileged coastal communities – has put out a call to yachts across the Pacific, Australia and New Zealand in particular, to deliver aid as soon as is practicable. It has also said it will match monetary donations up to $3,000. The storm is the most powerful ever recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, with winds over 170mph and ocean swells reaching 12 metres, causing widespread devastation throughout the islands.
Devastation of coastal communities has been widespread. Photo: Government of Fiji
Pick-up points are being established in Cairns, Brisbane and Auckland. Supplies will be documented by the donors and then transported to Fiji through an established protocol, ensuring that crucial resources can reach the people of the Fijian islands as quickly as possible.
This photo and below: superyacht support vessel Umbra brings aid to Vanuatu during Cyclone Pam last year, in an effort co-ordinated by Yacht Aid Global. Photos: Frank and Peggy
The organisation is asking yachts in the region able to help with aid delivery to contact Captain Mark Drewelow on Mark@yachtaidglobal.org. Those with supplies to donate in Cairns, Brisbane or Auckland should contact Dhardra Blake on info@yachtaidglobal.org. To make a donation, you can go to YachtAid Global website and quote FIJI.
A state of emergency and a curfew is in place across Fiji. On the ground, the SeaMercy Fiji organisation and other NGOs will assist yachts in streamling the documentation process. Air partner support is being provided by the non-profit LIFT organisation.
The problems created by the cyclone are similar to the devastating effects of Cyclone Pam, which struck areas of Vanuatu last year. The major concerns are fresh water and medical help for isolated communities. In Vanuatu, the superyacht Dragonfly was able to offer critical aid to the outlying islands.
• Click here to see a video of Dragonfly’s relief efforts on Vanuatu
• To read more about Umbra in Vanuata, click here.