Hitting landfall on March 13th, 2015, Tropical Cyclone Pam is considered to have been one of the worst natural disasters ever experienced by the people of Vanuatu; leaving an aftermath of overwhelming devastation. The latest reports indicate that over 65,000 people are now homeless and over 110,000 are left without safe drinking water. Vanuatu is now in desperate need for immediate, and ongoing, international aid and support.
Two superyachts, Dragonfly and Umbra have already been deployed on humanitarian grounds carrying supplies and bring relief to the stricken islanders.
Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, located on the Brisbane River is also doing what they can to provide relief to the disaster affected country. Their donation has made a substantial impact already. Providing, so far, 2,300 ten litre water containers in addition to boxes of 500ml water bottles aiming to assist with the urgent need for clean, safe, drinking water, as well as empty pallets, 20 cargo bags for use with heli-ops and other equipment including large quantities of clothing, hats, a chainsaw and jet-fuel for choppers.
The owners of Rivergate Marina have themselves extensively travelled the islands of Vanuatu; engaging with and immersing themselves into the local communities. They’ve established a personal rapport and compassion for the people they have met throughout their years of involvement there; constructing a local school, and making donations of what many would consider the most basic necessities; clothes, school books and stationary, reading glasses, sunglasses and hats.
Elsewhere there are calls from within the superyacht community for yacht crews themselves to do what they can to help restore this beautiful cruising ground back to normaility. Captain Chris Andreason is calling upon yacht management companies to ask each member of crew to donate a days pay towards the cause.
Putting his money where his mouth is the Master of the superyacht Kibo has said he is willing to donate if some simple and honest way can be found to collect and distribute the funds.