YachtAid Global Providing Hurricane Odile Assistance

What Hurricane Odile destroyed in Mexico, YachtAid Global is striving to help replace. The non-profit aid organization already has one megayacht en route to the region. Upon arrival, the priority is to produce potable water. YachtAid Global is seeking more yachts, plus donations of much-needed supplies, for more Hurricane Odile assistance.

The storm made a direct hit on Cabo San Lucas, Mexico on September 14. A Category 3, it packed 125-mph winds and dropped six inches of rain. Its strength was unprecedented for modern times in the southern Baja Peninsula region, in fact.

Since YachtAid Global arranges humanitarian aid for coastal communities worldwide, its team monitored Hurricane Odile via news reports. On September 15, Mark Drewelow, the founder of YachtAid Global, posted the following on the organization’s Facebook page:

News from Cabo San Lucas. At 1730 today Cabo time, I spoke with local Superyacht Agent Victor Barreda that many of you know. Victor weathered Odile at home and he and his wife and kids are ok. Town has no electricity, and he says it looks like every building is damaged. If electricity doesn’t come back on, then fresh water becomes a major issue quickly. We will post info as it comes into us. We have one 75-meter superyacht that will be deeply involved in an immediate relief effort focusing on producing 4,000 gallons a day of fresh water for locals.

The same day, Drewelow spoke with the marina manager at Marina Cabo San Lucas. The marina is popular with megayachts and sportfishermen alike. The staff there also emerged unscathed from Hurricane Odile. However, as of this writing, there is still no electricity and no mobile-phone service in Cabo San Lucas. Building damage in the region is extensive, too. The airport, for example, is expected to remain closed through October. “The situation in the Cabo area is getting worse by the hour,” Drewelow tells us.

While thankfully YachtAid Global has “a lot in the works” for Hurricane Odile assistance, Drewelow says, “every yacht big or small that intends to head south to Cabo needs to bring aid. Recovery will take months.” YachtAid Global is coordinating some efforts with Marine Group Boat Works. The San Diego-based refit yard has a further facility in Cabo San Lucas. Marine Group Boat Works’ San Diego yard is collecting items that are of critical immediate need.

Particularly crucial is drinking water. “Water is running out,” Drewelow says. “If power comes on or people get fuel for generators, water can start flowing again in extremely limited quantities.” Yet other crucial needs are basic first-aid items like bandages, antiseptics and ointments, and hand sanitizers. Additionally helpful is food with long shelf life, like beans, tuna, canned meat, plus boxed milk and other beverages. Finally, shelter is high on the list. Pop-up tents, rolls of heavy-duty plastic sheeting, and canvas tarps are all good. Plus, small-diameter (¼- to ½-inch) ropes help to secure the tarps.

If you’d like to donate any of these items, you can mail them to:

Attn: Cabo Relief/Leah Yam
Marine Group Boat Works
997 G Street
Chula Vista, CA 91910-3414

If you have questions, contact Leah Yam at Marine Group Boat Works at (619) 427-6767. You can also donate funds via YachtAid Global’s donation page.