Spared Irma’s Worst, Puerto Ricans Sail to Virgin Islanders’ Aid
- 7 years ago
Spared Irma’s Worst, Puerto Ricans Sail to Virgin Islanders’ Aid
“I don’t think people knew how bad it was going to be until it was too late,” said Julie Reynolds,
who was rescued on Friday from Tortola, the largest island of the British Virgin Islands.
Some 1,200 mostly American citizens, have been carried from Saint Martin
and Saint Thomas in six C130 aircraft, and more than 50 patients have been airlifted to Puerto Rican hospitals, officials said.
Puerto Ricans relieved at being spared the worst destruction donated water, clothing, first aid
and other supplies, and dozens of recreational boaters sailed to nearby islands to deliver the assistance and evacuate now-homeless islanders on the return trip.
Puerto Ricans often cruise to the American or British Virgin Islands, known interchangeably
here as “las islas,” to enjoy their crystalline beaches or for fishing competitions.
“We only saw the need to say, ‘We’re here for you.’ ”
Ms. Rivera and her husband, Roger Casellas, run one of the pop-up donation centers from Mr. Casella’s boat dealership in Hato Rey.
“I don’t think people knew how bad it was going to be until it was too late,” said Julie Reynolds,
who was rescued on Friday from Tortola, the largest island of the British Virgin Islands.
Some 1,200 mostly American citizens, have been carried from Saint Martin
and Saint Thomas in six C130 aircraft, and more than 50 patients have been airlifted to Puerto Rican hospitals, officials said.
Puerto Ricans relieved at being spared the worst destruction donated water, clothing, first aid
and other supplies, and dozens of recreational boaters sailed to nearby islands to deliver the assistance and evacuate now-homeless islanders on the return trip.
Puerto Ricans often cruise to the American or British Virgin Islands, known interchangeably
here as “las islas,” to enjoy their crystalline beaches or for fishing competitions.
“We only saw the need to say, ‘We’re here for you.’ ”
Ms. Rivera and her husband, Roger Casellas, run one of the pop-up donation centers from Mr. Casella’s boat dealership in Hato Rey.