Shipwrecked islanders return to Tristan
Report from Administrator Fiona Kilpatrick and Chief Islander James Glass
The SA Agulhas II's helicopter lands islanders Rodney and Ian (center) and Captain Clarence (right)
on Tristan after the shipwreck. Photo: Kelly Green
Today, the SA Agulhas II arrived just after 1100h at Tristan to misty rain and a fresh breeze. She stayed for some four and a half hours, as a number of protocols had to be completed. The first helicopter flight brought Rodney Green and Ian Lavarello ashore, as well Captain Clarence from the Geo Searcher.
The helicopter picked up around 120 bags of clothes and other personal items that islanders had collected for the Geo Searcher crew - not bad for an island with only 105 households. James thinks this crew will be the best dressed shipwrecked sailors ever to enter into Cape Town!
The Agulhas II continued on her way shortly after 15:00 with our thanks and best wishes for a safe return to Cape Town.
Despite their ordeal, Rodney and Ian helped sling the community's packages for the helicopter to take to Agulhas II for the Geo Searcher's crew. Photo: James Glass
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| The helicopter lifts of with the community's packages for Geo Searcher crew. Photos: James Glass & Fiona Kilpatrick | |
The SA Agulhas II off Tristan as the helicopter delivers the islanders' gifts. Photo: Fiona Kilpatrick
The community's packages stacked in St Joseph's Church ready for the Geo Searcher's crew. Each bag was labelled, some with individual names, and others indicating the contents, such as 'Shoes size 10' or 'Trousers'. Photo: James Glass