This was only a small part of the cargo we loaded aboard Vega for the trip to Pulau Weh and eventually delivered to the rugged west coast of Sumatra where it was needed most. Our cargo of food and medical supplies went to small villages, many of which were completely destroyed. Villages the big aid agencies were passing over.
Vega was loaded by a crew of volunteers from Waves of Mercy a Langkawi based group formed by the yachting community in response to the disaster. Estimates of Vegas load range from 10-19 tons. What was clear after that trip is that she could have carried much more.
John Weng went with us as a part of the crew and made many of these images. Due to the urgent need for our cargo in Sumatra we motor sailed most of the way averaging 7-8 knots. Heavily loaded Vega was as happy as she could be.
When we arrived in Sabang the agents said our supplies were desperately needed along the west coast. One of the other vessels carrying supplies had pushed down that coast and found several villages that had been completely destroyed. One village that had boasted over 5,000 people was reduced to only 675 still alive.

Rounding the tip of Sumatra is a dangerous experience. The whole area is alive with violent rip tides and strong currents that often held our speed below 1 knot. It was a hard slog but in the end we met up with "Sean Poquito" the other boat we were looking for.

The line you see along the coast averaged 10 meters high and was caused by the tsunami waves
Sean Poquito had established a base camp ashore and the only vestage of a hospital among the rubble of what was once a proud village. When we came in the villagers all cheered our arrival. We brought them more than food and medical supplies, we brought hope and the knowledge that they were not forgotten.
This was the hospital facility. It was the only functioning medical facility along that whole stretch of coast.
Our cargo was quickly unloaded and taken ashore where it was distributed among the villagers. A part of our load was sent further down the coast to other villages in need.
Amid the rubble life was going on. Our food and medical supplies would help get these proud people back on their feet and help them until they could rebuild their lives. The warm smiles and friendly greetings made it all worth while.
This little girl has not spoken since the tsunami wiped out her village. In a way it is for her and others like her that we carry our cargos and make the sacrifices we do.

Vega is only one small boat making her modest effort but that trip made a difference in the lives of those passed over by the big aid agencies.

As soon as our repairs are made Vega will once more load up and set sail for the West coast of Sumatra. This time we will carry much more cargo than on our last trip, but our most important cargo remains one of hope for those who have lost everything.