On September 1, Hurricane Dorian stalled over the northern Bahamas islands with sustained winds over 185 mph – the highest windspeed of any Atlantic hurricane recorded at landfall. The resulting damage to the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama was catastrophic as the majority of structures on these islands were heavily damaged or destroyed and over 70,000 people were left homeless. The official death toll is at 50 and expected to rise, with over 1,000 people still missing. Multiple relief efforts are underway to help our Bahamian neighbors, including multiple efforts from the saltwater fishing communities.
Recreational fishing has been the backbone of the economy in the outer islands of The Bahamas for generations. For over 60 years, the Deep Water Cay lodge has been the primary source of revenue for residents of nearby McLean’s Town and Sweetings Cay on the east end of Grand Bahamas Island. When Dorian struck, the Deep Water Cay staff and their families lost their homes, communities, and place of employment. Similar stories echo throughout the family islands as communities supported by recreational anglers are in ruin.
Bonefish & Tarpon Trust and the Bahamas National Trust have established the Hurricane Dorian Relief and Recovery Fund to benefit fishing guides, lodge staff, and others in the industry who have been impacted by Hurricane Dorian. For more information on the Hurricane Dorian Relief and Recovery Fund or to make a donation, go to https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/btt-events/2019-bahamas-hurricane-relief/
The Deep Water Cay Family Hurricane Relief Effort was created solely to help the lodge staff rebuild their lives. For more information, or to make a donation go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/deep-water-cay-family