With so many islands devastated by the passing of Hurricane Beryl, the yachting community are keen to help out where they can. In this news report we outline the initiatives that you can take part in to help in the aftermath in the Windward Islands, and will be continually adding more as they come in.

Published 23 hours ago, updated 7 seconds ago

Carriacou, Petit Martinique and the Grenadines worst affected

As the clean-up begins in many of the Windward Islands of the Caribbean after Hurricane Beryl forced its way through at the start of this week, Beryl continues to plough through the Caribbean hitting Jamaica as a category 4 hurricane and currently battering the Cayman Islands as it passes just south as a weakening category 3 hurricane.

The island nations of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada are the worst affected from Hurricane Beryl, according to a report by Relief Web International through the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, and Dominica have also suffered severe damage.

Due to communication issues, the extent of damage in Carriacou, Petite Martinique and parts of the Northern corridor of Grenada as well as Mayreau and Canouan remains unknown, but similar severe damage is expected. In contrast, Bequia in the northern Grenadines sustained less damage.

According to Aid organisation Direct Relief International, the islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique in Grenada, and Union Island in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, have experienced the worst of the damage.

Dickon Mitchell, Grenada’s prime minister, has described the islands’ situation as “grim,” with power almost entirely cut off, untold numbers of houses destroyed and unpassable roads.

Direct Relief had been in communication with Ministries of Health in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada, as well as the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), to assess medical and emergency response needs, and to mobilize medications and supplies.

Hope Fleet Partners with SSCA to Aid Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts

The devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl has left countless families without homes, food, and basic necessities. The impact on these communities has been profound, creating an urgent need for immediate relief. In response, Hope Fleet is collaborating with the Seven Seas Cruising Association (SSCA) to provide essential aid to the affected islands.

In a media release announcing the joint effort, Hope Fleet said funds were currently being raised to procure supplies, which will be delivered by private vessels to those in need. This initiative leverages the unique capabilities of boats to access areas that may be inaccessible by air or commercial shipping at this time.

Hope Fleet and SSCA have a combined network of private boaters already in the vicinity ready to transport critical aid directly to affected areas.

To make a donation or for boaters who wish to get involved, please visit:

• hopefleet.org/hurricane-beryl
• Hope Fleet Press Release

Situation is Grim says SSCA Commodore

Joan Conover, Commodore of the SSCA has been in contact with people on the ground in the worst hit areas in the Windward Islands and says the situation is grim. This updated report from her July 5th:

“It’s chaos in the islands, but they are slowly recovering. Carriacou, Union, and Petite Martinque, it’s safe to say, had close to 98% home destruction. The shelters, for example in Carriacou, seem to have saved lives. When you look at the damage, it’s mind blowing.

“Trindad and Tobago really stepped up with supporting incoming boats without documentation in the short term. Our contact Jesse James, the SSCA CSH host, reports there are boats taking donations to the worse hit places, Carriacou being one of them. One boat left yesterday, and four more will sail north today. Peter Peake has one of the vessels. They are taking 20K dollars worth of donated food and more. Several boats are loading at St Lucia to head to Union Island on Saturday.

“Other SCCA CSH hosts include Lynn, the POC for Grenada, Heather Grant for SVG and Jean Marc for Union Island. We have found harbors and places to offload for those wanting to help. There is a list of donations that make sense. Several groups are helping, but small boats can get to where big ones can not.

“Of great assistance, Samaritans Purse arrived in Grenada, with 24 tons of supplies and 13 disaster managment personnel yesterday. They flew in a cargo plane to Grenada with their donations. Based on their efforts during Maria, they are a true resource.

“Of special concern..Carriacou needs fuel and better communications. What has occurred is that there are no sat phones or starlink for emergency centers. A definite error, even if Digicel is getting their networks operational. There are cell services now on SVG and on Carriacou, but solar chargers are limited for cell battery charging. Most communciations are various volunteers on the ground with Starlink. With no cell service there is no internet or cell voice/text and no way to reach out. That is a dangerous situation. Yesterday, the Carriacou dock area had cell and wifi access at least for SMS text.

“Boats are going into Tyrell Bay, Carriacou, and can drop off at the seawall and commercial docks. Boats can use their chart plotters to see where the docks are, but there is a lot of debris in the water to be aware of; day entry with a bow watch is recommended. Due to communications issues, it is not clear who to give donated items to, and there is no direct contact responsible yet.

“Also, all vessels coming south or north, the impacted islands do not have fuel. Boats should plan to get fuel in Grenada at Grenada Yacht Club. It can be a touch and go fuel pick up. Grenada has supplies for purchase as does SVG.

“Evacuations from Union Island to SVG (100) and Carriacou (900) to Grenada have occurred or in progress. A rumor that all of Carriacou and Petit Martinque were to be evacuated, is not confirmed and our understanding of the 9000 citizens only critical needs are leaving. The ferry service is working with both ferrys to Carriacou, at least since yesterday. Several groups/boats are taking donations from Grenada to Carriacou.

“Hope this helps explain the situation.

“If funds are available the boats in Trindad can get loaded with donations. I would like to point out that EVERY GROUP is helping. I have been in touch with an OCC boat and we are assisting as we can with information. Several groups are flying small planes into Union Island from St. Lucia (Jeremie). Everyone needs donations so they can get supplies to take. A day could make a huge difference to human life. US AID vessels are underway, but that takes time. And of course other islands to the west are also facing emergencies at the present time.”

Recommendations from Doyle Guides

Read more by Doyle Guides on Hurricane Beryl Relief Efforts.

Where can I donate?

• High Commission For Grenada relief fund
• A general Union Island GoFundMe campaign is here.
• A general Carriacou & PM GoFundMe campaign is here and here.
• The Marine & Yachting Association of Grenada has set up Gofund me: https://gofund.me/c53f6778

Be careful of scams. The Red Cross are not on the ground and there have been reports of many fake Go Fund Me accounts.

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Related News:

• Response Underway as Hurricane Beryl Cuts a Devastating Path Across the Caribbean – Direct Relief
• Relief Web International – Hurricane Beryl Relief Update
• Windward Islands Face Serious Threat from Hurricane Beryl – Noonsite

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Related Links:

• Natural Disasters:  Advice for Cruisers Who Want to Help
• National Hurricane Center

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