S/V Vega 12.january 2005. When the tsunami waves struck east Asia the crew of VEGA immediately began searching for a way of assisting those most in need. Within 24 hours discussions with doctors from other boats had targeted the small villages on isolated island groups as those we could help the most and a tentative plan was put in place.

On one hand food supplies were gathered from local merchants and private donors. On the other hand preparations were begun to provide support for a two person medical team who would visit the small villages providing immunizations and first aid to survivors. VEGA would act as transportation, accommodation, and a base of operations as well as carrying as much high density food stuffs as possible.

Those voyages were to average 8-10 days then return to Malaysia for resupply before setting out again. Vega would also use her on board computers and printers to print posters for health clinics and health posts advising the best techniques for survival during the weeks and months ahead. (Since the waves struck we have produced brochures and posters for major agencies in 3 different languages. The total units professionally printed by offset are over 1,000,000.)

At that time VEGA was preparing for a major refit. Many of her systems were over 10 years old and either out of date or not quite what one could wish for. The most urgent problems were the sanitation systems and our faltering 12VDC and 220 AC systems. Both electrical systems had suffered seriously during our 3 day bout with Cyclone Garfilo south of the Seychelles last February. In addition several of her critical electronics systems were in need of repair or replacement.

Our SSB radio was down, the autohelm auto pilot was in need of repairs or replacement and our usually very dependable Silva -Nexus system that has wind, depth, and GPS was faltering seriously. The RayMarine radar can only see a super tanker at 3 miles, if it's having a good day.

All agreed that we could continue living with "The Bucket" but could we really justify adding our sewage to that already existing in the devastated areas. Contamination from sewage is one of the major health dangers in such situations. We also faced the problem of how to power refrigeration equipment to keep vaccines in the proper conditions. Since we could not afford new "marine" refrigeration units we found local merchants who were willing to loan us household units which use 220 VAC. Our AC system became a critical component.

The electronics were another question. We sent the Autohelm auto pilot to Singapore where the RayMarine service center had assured us they had the parts and it could be repaired rapidly. The DHL alone cost us S$ 140. Once there the story changed to one of please wait at least a month while we order parts we said we had in stock! It is now costing us another S$140 to get the equipment back so we can send it somewhere else for repair.

The Silva-Nexus system responded somewhat to a good cleaning but still works when it feels like it and the RayMarine Radar continues being myoptic.

The only answer was to turn to manufacturers for assistance. Usually VEGA is, with a bit of help, self supporting. In order to respond to this emergency rapidly her short term needs outstripped our abilities. In desperation we approached several of the most reputable companies in the marine world for their support.

These companies were carefully chosen on the basis of their reputations for good solid dependable equipment. In several cases we had personal introductions or were already doing business with them. In the end we approached 7 companies. Each represented a specific need.

5 of those companies responded with a generosity that was truly astounding. One with important electrical equipment has responded positively but has not yet committed to a shipping date. But the clock is ticking and we still couldn't move farther out than the Butan Island group because of our power limitations.

Although the equipment we needed was promised what we had not counted on were the major delays due to shipping. It simply isn't possible for a big company, no matter how willing, to prepare items and ship them half way around the world instantly. So if VEGA was to take an active part in the relief efforts rather than waiting around for parts we needed to change our plans to fit our actual current abilities.

Waves of Mercy was started in Langkawi by the boating community in response to the emergency. They have received over 500 tons of food and medical supplies which need transporting to Sumatra. That is one way that VEGA can help, right now.

On Saturday 15 January VEGA will load herself to the rails with rice and other heavy food stuffs then set sail for Northern Sumatra. We expect the return trip to be roughly 6 days including off loading by hand on arrival. Yes, I know it isn't smart without a sounder, radar. or dependable GPS but we cannot stand bye and have people we could be helping die because we were afraid to sail!

By the time we return from that trip the most important components should have arrived. If not VEGA will make additional food supply trips until the needed equipment does arrive. Then we will install it, take one more food cargo from Langkawi, and shift our efforts to the West coast of Sumatra. This is the area which was the hardest hit and where none of the big aid agencies have even tried to get to.

On that and subsequent trips we will carry our medical team and medical equipment as well as food supplies for the small coastal villages. There are few ports along that coast so VEGA will often be sending her party and supplies ashore then standing off and on until they are ready to come back on board. It will not be easy, and the cyclone season has started, but that is where the greatest needs are so that is where we will go. We would appreciate your prayers.