As Super Typhoon Haiyan made her way to the Philippines our crew and local operations team made preparations to secure the Philippine Siren and P. Siren liveaboards, taking the yachts to safe anchorage spots in Negros and Bohol. The typhoon made landfall on Friday 8th November and we are pleased to report that all crew, their families and both yachts are safe and well. Our crews can be highly commended for their fast action in securing the yachts but also their consideration of others. There are several areas, including Malapascua, Leyte and Busuanga that have been severely affected and our thoughts are with those people at this time.
Many of the islands have been cut off from much needed supplies and are in desperate need of assistance for food, water and building materials with which to rebuild their homes and businesses. Our operations team in Cebu has therefore been working closely with local dive operators and the Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors without Borders) to support the relief efforts for affected areas. On Friday 15th November the P Siren arrived in Malapascua to deliver 15 tons of food and supplies to the islanders along with 16 tons of much needed fresh water. She has now made her way to Leyte to deliver medical supplies and provide a support base for the MSF team for the coming week.
The Philippine Siren was able to make her way to Batangas where she has been operating an adjusted schedule to accommodate the guests who were already booked and ensure they also receive a superb dive holiday in the Philippines. Reports from Coron are that the airport is open once again and we will soon return to dive in the region.
The Siren Fleet will continue to support the relief organisations and local islands over the coming months in any way they are able through delivering supplies and offering assistance. The company has also pledged 50% of the trip price for any new bookings on a Philippines cruise between now and February 2014 to be donated to the relief effort.
There is still much that people can do to help those affected in the Philippines, so we ask people to consider donations to the MSF or Red Cross.
Further updates may be found on our website at www.sirenfleet.com
