Hurricane Beryl: Impact on Carriacou and Relief Efforts from Port Louis Marina
Hurricane Beryl caused no damage to Port Louis Marina in Grenada but devastated Carriacou, where 98% of buildings were affected. Port Louis Marina is facilitating relief efforts by collecting and distributing essential supplies. The yachting community is actively participating to deliver aid to the impacted areas, showcasing solidarity in times of crisis.
Hurricane Beryl struck Grenada on July 1, 2023, without causing damage to Port Louis Marina, ensuring safety for its staff and yacht owners. The marina had implemented comprehensive hurricane safety protocols ahead of the storm, closing the facility 24 hours prior to Beryl’s anticipated landfall. Despite being outside the typical hurricane belt, Grenada had previously experienced storms, including Hurricane Ivan in 2004, reinforcing the need for preparedness. According to Zara Tremlett, the marina’s general manager, staff reinforced docks and provided additional mooring lines to yachts, resulting in no visible damage after the hurricane’s passage.
In stark contrast, the nearby island of Carriacou experienced significant devastation. Hurricane Beryl made landfall there as a Category 4 storm, with winds reaching 150 mph, thus marking it as the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in June and July. It also set a historical precedent for rapid intensification, escalating from a tropical depression to a major hurricane in under 42 hours. Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell remarked on the catastrophic impact, highlighting the destruction of homes and severe damage to nearly all structures on the island.
In response to the crisis, Port Louis Marina has become a hub for relief efforts. On July 2, the marina began operations to support the Carriacou Relief Operation, facilitating the collection of essential supplies such as clothing and water from local businesses and residents. The marina contributed medical kits, water, and canned goods to aid the relief efforts.
As Grenada remains under a state of emergency until July 7, the staff at Port Louis Marina are actively seeking opportunities to provide more substantial assistance to Carriacou. Tremlett noted the willingness of yacht owners and crew members to deliver supplies to remote affected areas. She emphasized the strong solidarity within the yachting community, which consistently comes together in times of need.
In summary, Hurricane Beryl’s destructive impact on Carriacou starkly contrasts with the unaffected Port Louis Marina, which adhered to safety protocols and supported the local relief efforts. The marina’s proactive measures ensured safety during the storm, while its ongoing initiatives confirm the resilience and solidarity of the yachting community in response to disaster.
Original Source: megayachtnews.com
