Tsunami Update

In the aftermath of the devastating tsunami which killed hundreds of Samoans and Tongans last week, cruisers are doing what they can to aid locals and fellow boaters. Leslie Linkkila of the Kingston, WA-based Mason 33 Carina reports that, "Cruisers are descending upon Niuatoputapu (Tonga) with supplies — nails, hammers, food, clothing, bandages — from Neiafu in Tonga, and Apia in Western Samoa."

Kirk McGeorge of the USVI-based Hylas 47 Gallivanter, whose riveting report here last week conveyed the true horror of the sudden disaster, reports today from Pago Pago that, "A U.S. Navy ship, Red Cross, FEMA and a host of other aid is arriving and things are slowly rising above the rubble. I personally repaired the PVC water supply to the dock and I’m working the graveyard shift driving a picket boat for the Navy frigate as long as they’re here. As you probably know, this sort of event tends to bring out the best in some and the worst in others. It’s been four days now and some people are getting ugly."

In Kirk’s initial report, he spoke of sighting "a young lady we knew, who was deperately hugging a power pole, and up to her chin in swirling water." We’re happy to report that the girl, from the Long Beach-based Mason 43 Banyan, lived to tell about her terrifying experience.

As reported earlier, longtime cruiser Dan Olszewski of the Florida-based Freedom 39 Mainly, was not so lucky. His sons have now arrived and are helping their mother prepare for a proper burial at sea.