On 14 March Cyclone Pam caused widespread devastation on the South Pacific islands of Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. A number of sailors were caught up in the storm – four lives were lost and several boats were severely damaged. Islanders have also been badly affected as homes were destroyed, crops flattened and water sources contaminated with salt water, leaving water and food-shortages in its wake.

Since then, cruising sailors have been using their boats to reach some of the more remote islands to deliver aid and help with the recovery. Yachting Monthly contributors Tom Partridge and Susie Plume, whose yacht Adina was in Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu during the storm, are helping to coordinate sailors’ responses to make the most of the resources available, in conjuection with the Ocean Cruising Club and other organisations.

Sailing and healthcare charity Sea Mercy is sending its Disaster Relief Fleet (DRFleet) to join the  efforts in Vanuatu.

Oceans Watch is focusing its resources on the remote Solomon island of Temotu that has recieved less aid than elsewhere, as they can have a large impact there.

The Ocean Cruising Club commends the strategy of these two organizations to reach those hardest hit and least likely to receive immediate international aid. OCC Commodore John Franklin said, ‘These two organisations, along with assistance from OCC member Tom Partridge in Port Vila, seem to have in place the infrastructure to make a real difference to the plight of the islanders – please support them.

If you would like to support either of these organisations, you can find more information below:

Sea Mercy

http://www.seamercy.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=20

OceansWatch

https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/cyclonepamrelief

Ocean Cruising Club

www.oceancruisingclub.org