MAJORCA HELPS THAI TSUNAMI VICTIMS

By Humphrey Carter A group of Thai fishermen whose livelihood was swept away by the Boxing Day tsunami which devastated South east Asia in 2004 have just taken possession of a new longtail fishing boat thanks to the yachting community in Majorca. British resident John Rule launched the Islander Tsunami Appeal last year with the aim of raising enough funds to not only have a traditional longtail boat built in Bangkok but for the 10-metre fishing boat to be fitted with a re-conditioned 1500cc engine. The fishing boat Mallorca was presented to the fishermen on March 17 when the lucky new owners took her for trials. On deciding that he wanted to do something to help the Tsunami victims, Rule was wary of simply raising funds a charity working in the area. “I decided I wanted to help Thai fishermen help themselves and also know that every single euro raised went straight to the victims,” he said. “Much of the money given to charities still has not go through to all the victims, many of which are still struggling to rebuild their lives and provide for themselves and their families. “We hope that Mallorca will enable the community of Thai fishermen we have donated the vessel to rebuild and re-construct their lives,” said Rule. “And all thanks to the generosity of the Majorcan yachting community which I am extremely grateful to,” he stressed yesterday.