The
Virginia Beach Hammerheads club members would like to express their
sympathy for those who perished in Belize on Oct. 8th. We have been
working on a Reef Ball artificial reef project for the past year and we
will be ready to deploy 15 to 20 af the concrete structures near the
Chesapeake light tower in the spring.
We made our very first Reef Ball about two months ago and we would very much like to dedicate it to the members of your club who lost their lives in Belize. We plan to have a plaque made in their honor and attach it to the first Reef Ball we made (which now sits right outside the front door of Lynnhaven Dive Center) so that divers on the reef will see it in the future.
I am looking at your web site and the list of the deceased members there. I would like to list the names of those who died on the plaque. We are also planning an oyster roast and fundraiser here at Lynnhaven Dive Center to benefit the families of the victims. The fundraiser will be this Saturday Oct. 20th at 4pm and we will also be accepting donations at that time.
We made our very first Reef Ball about two months ago and we would very much like to dedicate it to the members of your club who lost their lives in Belize. We plan to have a plaque made in their honor and attach it to the first Reef Ball we made (which now sits right outside the front door of Lynnhaven Dive Center) so that divers on the reef will see it in the future.
I am looking at your web site and the list of the deceased members there. I would like to list the names of those who died on the plaque. We are also planning an oyster roast and fundraiser here at Lynnhaven Dive Center to benefit the families of the victims. The fundraiser will be this Saturday Oct. 20th at 4pm and we will also be accepting donations at that time.
Thank
you,
Charlie Watts
VBHH president
Charlie Watts
VBHH president
The
bodies of the 17 Richmond Dive Club members killed
aboard the Wave Dancer are returned to Richmond, Virginia on Sunday,
October 14th.
The dead include five married couples, and the victim's leave behind seven school-age children.
Family members who wish to see their loved ones for one final good-bye are prevented from doing so by local funeral directors. The condition of their remains is too horrific for viewing.
The Richmond Dive Club establishes a memorial fund which is to be used to "alleviate hardship for families of those lost in the Wave Dancer tragedy in connection with final arrangements, and also to provide assistance for the welfare of their surviving minor children. "
The Richmond Dive Club sponsors a Memorial Service for its lost buddies on Saturday, November 17th, 2001 at 3:00 PM at The Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond. Peter Hughes attends the ceremony.
In September 2002, the Collegiate School honors Charlie Pike by planting a maple tree on the campus that he had developed. The plaque in front of the tree reads: In Memory of Charlie Pike of TIMMONS who helped plan the development of Collegiate's Goochland Campus. October 2001.
On June 16th, 2004 The Richmond Dive Club installs a plaque to honor their dead on a platform built by the Philip Morris Dive Club at Lake Rawlings, Virginia.
The dead include five married couples, and the victim's leave behind seven school-age children.
Family members who wish to see their loved ones for one final good-bye are prevented from doing so by local funeral directors. The condition of their remains is too horrific for viewing.
- A celebration of Lisa Powell's life was held Saturday, October 13th, 2001 at Roslyn-The Virginia Diocesan Center in Richmond, Virginia.
- A memorial service for Glenn Prillaman was held Saturday, October 13th, 2001 at the Huguenot Chapel.
- A funeral service for Jimmy Topping was held Tuesday, October 16th, 2001 at the First Christian Church in Plymouth, NC.
- A memorial service was held for Jim and Kimberly Garrison on Tuesday, October 16th, 2001 at the Mount Vernon Baptist Church, Glen Allen, Virginia.
- A funeral service was held for Doug and Phyllis Cox on Wednesday, October 17th, 2001 at the Seventh Street Christian Church, Richmond, Virginia.
- A memorial service was held for Charlie & Cynthia Pike on Wednesday, October 17th, 2001 at the Bon Air Baptist Church.
- Ray Mars' funeral service was held Wednesday, October 17th, 2001 at the St. Louis Catholic Church in Clarksville, MD.
- Bill and Sheila Kelley's memorial service was held Wednesday, October 17th, 2001 at the Lutheran Church of our Savior.
- A memorial service for Byron and Shirley Johnston was held Thursday, October 18th, 2001 at the Woodlake Methodist Church.
- A memorial service for Cheryl Lightbound was held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada on Thursday Oct. 18th, 2001. Later, Gerry Campbell, an RDC member in Richmond, hosted an open house for the Lightbound family (Cheryl's father George, brother Doug, and sister Cathy) on Wednesday February 13th, 2002 at his home in Richmond.
- A memorial service for Buddy Webb was held Saturday, October 20th at 3:00 pm at the Mt. Pisgah United Methodist Church. Buddy's ashes were later spread over his favorite North Carolina dive site, the wreck of the Proteus.
- There was no individual memorial service for Christy McNeil. Instead, her family chooses to have her body cremated in Belize, and her ashes scattered over Lighthouse Reef, at the site of her last dive.
***
The Richmond Dive Club establishes a memorial fund which is to be used to "alleviate hardship for families of those lost in the Wave Dancer tragedy in connection with final arrangements, and also to provide assistance for the welfare of their surviving minor children. "
***
The Richmond Dive Club sponsors a Memorial Service for its lost buddies on Saturday, November 17th, 2001 at 3:00 PM at The Grove Avenue Baptist Church in Richmond. Peter Hughes attends the ceremony.
***
In September 2002, the Collegiate School honors Charlie Pike by planting a maple tree on the campus that he had developed. The plaque in front of the tree reads: In Memory of Charlie Pike of TIMMONS who helped plan the development of Collegiate's Goochland Campus. October 2001.
***
On June 16th, 2004 The Richmond Dive Club installs a plaque to honor their dead on a platform built by the Philip Morris Dive Club at Lake Rawlings, Virginia.
Dave DeBarger, Wave Dancer Survivor, Debi
Moir, former RDC
President, and Robert Huddleston from the Philip Morris Dive Club.
President, and Robert Huddleston from the Philip Morris Dive Club.
Sources:
Associated Press
Debi Moir
Timmons Report Sept/Oct 2002
Virginian-Pilot, the
Condolence
Emails Received by the Richmond Dive Club
after the Wave Dancer Tragedy (sic)
after the Wave Dancer Tragedy (sic)
Subject: Prayers
Our family has been diving for many years. We love diving. The people that died loved diving. They and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Houston, TX
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So sorry to hear of the tragic accident in Belize, affecting many of your club members/friends. I belong to the South Florida Women Divers out of Deerfield Beach, and sailed on the Star Dancer in Palau this past April. Its captain was involved in the salvage effort of the Wave Dancer...
God bless, and my thoughts and prayers are with all of you...
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I have read about your clubs tragedy and feel the loss. I wanted to send along my condolences and prayers to your club members, and to the families of those lost. I am a member of Suncoast Scuba Club, Tampa, Florida, and I'm sure you will be hearing from our club members.
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I can not begin to describe the feelings I have felt from this tragedy. I still cry when I read about it. I tell non divers about it because I feel the need to discuss the tragedy so I can deal with it. I was in a hurricane shelter in Mexico a few years ago and know the devastation a hurricane can inflict. My thoughts and prayers go out to all that lost. Friends, family, acquaintances, and the divers that will never meet these people on a vacation and be possible dive buddies with. Being a diver for only 4 years, I have met so many wonderful people on dive vacations. Now, I will never have the opportunity to meet those lost. I am so sorry! So very sorry. May you all find peace in knowing that the ocean, a place we all love, took your friends and family hopefully to a better place, although premature. My prayers are with you.
Heartfelt sympathies,
A fellow diver
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The crew of the Nekton Pilot
wishes to offer their heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims
of this terrible tragedy. As divers, it is always devastating to lose
some of our own. As crew members who have spent the last two seasons in
Belize, this loss hits home even more. You are in our thoughts and
prayers.
Capt. Jon Schneiderman
Nekton Pilot
Bahamas/Belize
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Just a short note to convey my condolences to your diving community. It is hard to accept the loss of friends, no matter what the circumstances.
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I was on the Turks & Caicos Aggressor when I learned of the fate of the Wave Dancer. I was drawn to tears. I am so deeply sorry about it. What a devastating tragedy. I cannot imagine the incredible losses you must be feeling. My heart goes out to you and your buddies. All of the people I know feel so sorry for you.
While on the Antares Dancer, the captain replaced the Dancer Fleet flag with a new one. All the members of our group signed the old flag in a very teary-eyed ceremony. I too cried as I read what they wrote. We want to send the flag to your club. Who do we send it to?
I sincerely wish you and yours the very best in these incredibly trying times.
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As a fellow diver I want to express my condolences to the families of guest and crew members. I spent a week on the Wave Dancer back in August with almost the same crew. We all share the passion of exploring the underwater world and we are all "buddies" who haven't met yet that's why this tragedy has affected me deeply. Please, accept my support and respect.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
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On behalf of the Tritons, I would like to express our sympathy for the loss of your relatives, friends, and dive buddies. We share in your loss. Divers all over the world are one community, and this is something that could happen to any of us, at any time. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Respectfully,
President
Tritons Scuba Club
Desplaines IL
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My heart and thoughts go out to your Club and all the friends and families of the Richmond Dive Club. As a member and Activities Chairman of the Desert Dolphins Dive Club in Tucson, AZ., I just can't imagine the pain and distress this has brought to all of you. As a diver, we are all a family and to hear of such a tragedy is incomprehensible. I just hope we can learn from this painful experience.
Desert Dolphins Dive Club
Tucson, AZ
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We send our love and sympathy to all of the friends and family members of the divers lost in Belize. You are in our prayers. May God be with you all.
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To all the friends and family of the RDC members who tragically lost their lives, we would like to extend our sincere condolences. Nothing could ever erase the sadness and sense of loss you must be feeling. However, keep in your hearts this. There is a world of divers out there, your website being proof, who are praying for you and crying with you. May you find comfort in the words these other divers and non-divers are expressing.
Dallas / Fort Worth, TX
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Like all divers, we are one family. We laugh together, dive together, live together. And like all families, we cry together when sorrow comes upon us. May the families and friends of those lost find some comfort knowing that they have the support of thousands and thousands of divers all over the world. You have our thoughts and prayers now and forever. I have dove Belize and seen the Wave Dancer with her crew of eager divers ready to explore God's underwater world. This is how I would like to remember not only the Wave Dancer but the divers who will be forever missed. They now have a new world to explore, far greater than they have ever explored before. Comfort your broken hearts by kowing that their lives have not ended, they have only just begun.
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Tears come and go
At the strangest of times
Driving along
Listening to a song
Thinking
Trying not to think
Wondering
Asking questions out loud
Asking questions in my mind
I didn't think I would feel this way
Thought I could be strong for others
I will be
But the tears still flow
They come and go
At the strangest of times
Thoughts from a fellow diver
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To all the members of the Richmond Dive Club, we extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your fellow divers and friends. No words can take away the hurt and loss you will feel but we all have faith that there is a better place for us and I for one am counting on it being a great dive site. In a time of national tragedy, the loss of so many wonderful, giving and caring people only adds to the overwhelming feeling of sadness. Again our hearts go out to you.
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I've been a diver for less than 2 years, but spent a week on the Wave Dancer back in February and recently dove with several members of your club in North Carolina. I found out about the tragedy by accident while casually following some links on the web, and am still shocked at the scale of this tragedy. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Arlington, MA
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I have only been diving since this summer. Everyone that I have met has been very friendly. In fact most everyone I have met has invited me to go diving with them. Most of them have even given their telephone number, cell number or E-Mail address to me. I guess what I'm trying to say that divers are a different breed of people you learn to trust each other you have to because your life my be in their hands. It is with sadness that we lost our fellow divers but their lives are now in the hands of the ultimate divemaster. They will surley be missed may God be with their familes and friends.
Hampton Roads Hammerheads
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To Our Fellow Divers,
We of the Charlotte HammerHeads Dive Network are profoundly sorry about your loss. Though we don't know you personally, we are all kindred spirits, and the news of this tragedy has affected us deeply. Please know that all the victims friends and families are in our thoughts and prayers, and that we are reaching out to you in spirit.
Your "buddies" at Charlotte HammerHeads
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Fellow Divers,
We dove with you..we know you. We send our promises of prayers and hope. We greive with you. If we can help in this time of need, please, let us help.
Commonwealth Dive Center
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From: Bob de Gouveia
Our heartfelt condolences go to the family and friends of those lost on the Wave Dancer.
From the owner and crew of Little Cayman Diver.
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Our family here at James Limousine is terribly saddened by the extreme loss that we have all faced in recent days. During times like these, we all look to each other for support. Our family here would like to donate to your families, both immediate and those of the dive club, our services for the upcoming funerals of those that Kim and Jim so truly cared for. Please do not hesitate to call me to arrange limousine service. Jim would not have wanted it any other way.
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We are very sad to hear of your great loss, and the loss to your club and city. We hope the following words, written by Ashley Rice, will offer some comfort and hope to you in this time of grief.
"When
somebody dies, a cloud turns into an angel and flies up to tell
God to put another flower on a pillow. A bird gives the message back to
the world and sings a silent prayer that makes the rain cry... People
disappear, but they never really go away. The spirits up there put the
sun to bed, wake up the grass, and spin the earth in dizzy circles.
Sometimes you can see them dancing in a cloud during the daytime
when they're supposed to be sleeping... They paint the rainbows and
also the sunsets and make waves splash and tug at the tide. They toss
shooting stars and listen to wishes. And when they sing windsongs, they
whisper to us, "Don't miss me too much. The view is nice, and I'm doing
just fine."
Sincerely,
Ocean Explorers Diving
Nanaimo, British Columbia
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As a member of the Emerald Sea Dive Club, I offer my condolences and share your sorrow at the tragic loss of so many friends. We divers may be scattered all over the world, but we are one community. The loss of even a single diver always makes ripples throughout the diving world - I can only try to imagine how devastated you must be. My heart goes out to all of you and to the families of your lost friends.
Emerald Sea Dive Club
Edmonds, Washington
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I realize that this time is hard for all but just wanted to let you know that your loss is on the members of the Quantico dive team's minds. We wake up every morning but there are no easy answers just faith and love from your fellow men to help you carry on and that is why i write to let you know your in my thoughts and prayers.
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I offer many heartfelt condolences on the behalf of Las Vegas' dive clubs and divers. We share in the loss of the deceased members of the Richmond Dive Club. This is something that could happen to any of us, in any unpredictable moment. But more so, an extremely rare and unfortunate occurance. The dive community is one that is very close, and will always remain close. We are here if you need us.
News artist
Las Vegas Review-Journal
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We would like to take a moment and express our heartfelt sympathy to those families and members of the Richmond Dive Club who have lost friends and family members in the tragic accident off the coast of Belize. Our hearts especially go out to the family and friends of Sheila and William Kelley. Sheila, whom we knew personally as our attorney for the last five years and who assisted us both professionally and emotionally when we received custody of my husband's daughter back in 1996. Sheila would take the time to go above and beyond for us with our situation and made us feel that we were not just "a case" for her. We feel she cared about us and spent time just talking to us as well as performing her professional duties. She was an exceptional, caring person, and we will always be grateful for what she has done for us, and that we knew her. We will miss her.
Colonial Heights, VA
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On behalf of our club, I wish to express the deepest sympathy for the loss of your brothers and sisters in Belize on Oct. 8. Since hours after the travesty, there have been many emails circulating amongst the divers of San Diego expressing the sadness felt for you all, along with the updated news stories. We do many scuba trips each year with the club members that have grown to be our very closest friends. We can't imagine what it would feel like to lose our "family" in such a tragic accident. We feel your pain. This reminds us yet again how short and precious each moment truly is. God Bless You All. We pray for you all and those who have suffered such loss.
President
Dive Animals Scuba Club
San Diego
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Dear Richmond Dive Club:
On behalf of the Marker Buoy Dive Club in Seattle, WA please let me extend to you our deepest felt sympathies for your tragic loss. All of our members who have heard of this terrible tragedy have told me that their hearts are with you folks at this time of hurt. We all share the passion of exploring our underwater world. We are your dive-buddies. All of us here in the Marker Buoys want you to know that our prayers and support will always be there for your lost friends, their families and all of the Richmond Dive Club folks. May you find peace and hope during these times. Celebrate the memories of your past adventures with your friends. Continue pursuing their passion. A new strength will come from this.
Your friends,
Marker Buoy Dive Club
Seattle, WA
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Dear fellow Richmond Dive Club members
I was stunned to learn of the tragedy in Belize. We dove on the Wave Dancer a few years ago. My heart is breaking for the surviving family members and club members. Please know that other scuba divers have you in their prayers.
Kingman, AZ
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I am devastated by the news I just heard on NPR about the Wave Dancer's fate in Belize. I am still experiencing chills over the awesomeness of this news. As a diver, a member of New England Aquarium Dive Club, I know that our club will respond in a similar manner. I send you all my sympathy, concern for those left in Richmond to mourn your friends, and then hope that you go on. I cannot imagine how you feel right now. Accept this little note as a hand extended. All is not OKAY. But our thoughts up here are with you all.
Needham, MA
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We are deeply touched by the news of your loss. Having met so many wonderful people in this work we realize and know how sad this time must be. It is our love of diving and sharing adventure that binds us. In our love for the sea we have also learned it deserves our deepest respect for nature can humble us in a moment. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sea Eye Diving
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Dear Members,
The Quantico Marine Corps Base Fire Dept. Search and Rescue Dive Team, Quantico Va. offers our deepest sympathy in this time of tragedy for your members and their families. It is a tragic loss for all in the diving community. I hope you find peace in knowing that they were taking part in a sport that they obviously loved when this tragedy occurred. If our members can be of assistance please feel free to contact us.
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Fellow Divers,
I just want to express my sincerest regrets to the members of the Richmond Dive Club and especially to the family and friends of those who perished last week. I met several of the club members a couple of years ago in the Bahamas. I was on a dive trip with a friend. We wanted to go out with our favorite dive operator, who was unforetunately (for us) booked. The members of the Richmond Dive Club allowed us to join them for two days of excellent diving -- including a memorable shark dive. I'll always remember and treasure those memories of my gracious "dive buddies."
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I did not know anyone who was on the ship. But as a diver, being on the same type of trips many times, I feel part of their family. My deepest sympathy and respect.
Stockholm
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Hello, I am the immediate past Commodore of the River Rat Yacht Club. Jimmy Topping was a member of our club. On behalf of the RRYC I send our sincerest condolences on the loss of your members. We have been devastated by Jimmy's loss. I can hardly comprehend what you must be feeling. Please know that our thought and prayers are with you.
I also want to thank you for the information that you put up on your web site. It has been a wonderful source for our members as well.
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As President of BLACK CORAL DIVERS of Dallas, Texas we would like to express our deepest sympathy for the families, loved ones and the RICHMOND DIVE CLUB during this tragic time. Though we have never met we are all dive buddies in this sport that we have come to love. We will make a contribution and insure you that if there is anything that we can do to assist you in this time of need do not hesitate to contact us. Just remember to put your faith and trust in GOD.
BLACK CORAL DIVERS
Dallas, TX
A NATIONAL ASSOC. OF BLACK SCUBA DIVERS CLUB
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Divers have such a zest for life and I've always felt we have some sort of bond between us all. Although I have never met this group of people, this must be the reason this event has touched my life as it did. My prayers and support go out to all of the family, friends and club members who have suffered this terrible loss. This event and everyone involved will be in our thoughts for a long time.
Suncoast Scuba Club
Tampa, FL
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As a fellow diver I wanted to send my condolences and prayers to you and your members during this time of loss. I am sure that my fellow club members at Suncoast Scuba Club. Tampa, Florida will also be sending their sympathy and support.
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The officers of the Philip Morris Dive Club, along with its entire club membership, extends our sincerest sympathy to the Richmond Dive Club. Please know that we are with you, the many families and friends, and stand ready for any and all assistance of which we would be honored to provide, as we grieve this tragic loss.
Sincerely,
The Philip Morris Dive Club
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Dear dive friends,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the Wave Dancer tragedy that has touched so many in the Richmond area. Although I did not personally know any of the members, I have a sister in the real estate business in Richmond who attended broker classes with the late Glen Prillaman. My husband and I were in Belize on the Aggressor 3 years ago and know the vessels and waters well. This tragedy is really beyond our comprehension. As with the events of 9-11, this horrible loss has touched the entire dive community at large. Please know that those lost, as well as their families and friends, are in our thoughts and prayers.
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Grapevine Scuba located in Grapevine Texas wishes to express our sympathy and prayers to the members of the Richmond Dive Club during this time of tragedy.
The Staff of Grapevine Scuba
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The tragic events in Belize have been felt by divers all over the world. I would like to extend my condolences to the survivors and to the families of those who were lost.
Hong Kong
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My husband and I would like to extend our deep heartfelt condolences to all the members and the members' families who have had to face the saddness of this very shocking tragedy and loss. ALL of them will be missed by their families, friends and co-workers. We knew Doug Cox because of his great work/farriering, not his diving. My husband's family home was sold to the new dive school in Christiansburg. I know they extend their condolences, as well since this shocking tragedy is being felt around the world. People everywhere are still reeling and remembering those lost. We just want them to know we will NEVER forget and will miss them until we see them again in eternity. Thank you for this space on the website
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Dear Fellow Divers:
We with the Dixie Divers cannot begin to imagine the loss to your dive club and it's families. We are very aware of the close ties that develop between members of a dive club. We have to depend on each other for our lives on a regular basis which most friends never give a second thought to.
Many years ago during a meeting one member got up and asked, "Is this a dive club or a social club?" We published in the following news letter, "This is a social club that dives together." I know that for most of us it would be our best friends that were lost on that stormy night. Not just dive buddies.
Dixie Divers
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You are all in the hearts and thoughts of the dive community of Bonaire. We are devastated by your loss. Be strong and dream of the reefs.
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We send our condolences to the Richmond Dive Club for the tragic loss of so many of your friends. Members and parents of Saddles 'N' Such 4-H Club knew Doug Cox well. He had been taking care of some of our horses for a decade or more! Our prayers are with you.
Members of the Saddles 'N' Such 4-H club
Hanover County, VA
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To All Members to RDC
I am deeply saddened by the lost of your club members and of the lost of so many of your friends and family members. I am also saddened by the lost of many of my friends and dive buddies in this mishap as well. Margo, Please know that I wanted and tried to get home in time to attend Glenn's service but being out of touch with what was going on I did not know just what was going on. I am sorry. I think this is a big part of my not being able to deal with my feelings as of yet. I was not able to be home in time but please know again that if you need anything just let me know. Just returning from San Diego I find myself lost for words. Just like many of you, I have yet been able to begin to deal with the lost and the feelings I have inside. As I got off the phone with Margo she asked me as I cried " When does the crying stop?" Margo, I can now answer your question. The crying never stops. We just keep going on, one day at a time.
As my wife and I left Norfolk Int'l Airport for San Diego we were standing behind Glenn and the RDC group during check-in. They were all so excited. The excitement, the smiles and the laughter on the faces of all trip goers made me wish I were going to. Seeing their excitement I know that there long wait and many months of planning was worth the wait.
To close this message I want to let all RDC members and families know that the membership and leaders of the PMDC will assist in any way and offer all of you our help in any possible way we can. When we make this offer it is not made lightly. We mean "we will be there to help in any way."
I would also like to see the two dive clubs get together and make plans for a memorial dive at Lake Rawlings for family and friends and make a finale dive in memory to those that died last week. I feel very strong that all would like this and appreciate the thought. At the same time I would like to get permission from the board of RDC to contact people I know at PADI / NAUI and DAN to have an article written and put in the upcoming magazine. I know that the entire RDC group of members support these dive organizations through monies as well as safety training and continued education.
My prays are with all of you as with all of the families. In time we will all be able to cope with the lost but for now lets' try to help each other get through this.
My prays and love to all,
Robert Huddeston / Training and trip coordinator
Phillip Morris Dive Club and personal friend to those that died.
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Members of the Atlantis Rangers Skin and Scuba Diving Club of College Park, Maryland extend their sympathies to the members of the Richmond Dive Club after the tragic loss in Belize. We especially wish to offerour condolences to the families of those lost in that terrible accident.
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We were shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of so many young lives, one, Cheryl Lightbound, being the daughter of our dearest friend, George of Calgary, Alberta. We have known the family for many years and watched Cheryl grow up into a bright, energenic and adventureous young woman. Our hearts go out to the friends and families of her fellow divers. May they rest in peace.
Kelowna, B.C. Canada
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To the Friends and Families of the Richmond Dive Club:
On behalf of the Auburn Skin Divers, we would like to extend our sympathy for the loss of your friends and families. During these times of tragedy, we can only rely on each other for support. We wanted you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Auburn Skin Divers Association
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Our prayers and symphathy are with you during these days of such great sadness. Please convey our deepess condolences to all the families and friends. We only knkw you through our son Ian Stezaker, a member of your club.
Bracknell Berkshire England
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I just want to send my condolences and prayers to the families and friends of your lost members. I am a rookie diver, my first trip to Roatan, Bay Island. It was a beautiful trip and incrediable experience. As in any sport there is danger, but this is overwhelming, as is what is happening in our world. Life is Precious.
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We are saddened to hear of more loss during a time of so many losses. As fellow divers, we share a passion. It's a passion that is evidenced by the serious logistical planning, financial commitments, and personal risks that we all take. Even recognizing this, it still hurts to hear of loss affiliated with a sport that we all love so much. Our condolences go out to your club, family members and friends.
Sincerely,
Atlantic Wreck Divers of Maryland
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Words alone fail our human spirit when tragedies such as this visit us. Know that you are not alone in your grief and sorrow. May their memories remain a comfort for all who loved them, and those who shared the wonder and awe of the oceans.
From the instructors and staff of Rec Diving
Royal Oak, Michigan
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To Members of the Dive Club and the loved ones of those who have died in this tradgedy:
My husband and I had the honor of meeting Glenn Prillaman. We met him after the death of my brother Tim Lohrman, who was a member of the Dive Club, and was scheduled to go on this trip but passed away July 24th. Glenn's kindess,sincerity and helpfulness extended to us has left a memory that will not be forgotten. We were devastated to hear of this tragedy.
May God give the peace that surpasses all understanding to all the loved ones whose hearts are saddened at this time.
Fogelsville, PA
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On behalf of Odyssey Adventures, located in Truk Lagoon, we send our most sincere condolences. Both my husband and I used to work for Peter Hughes Diving and spent some time on the Wave Dancer. We also run the liveaboard, the Odyssey. This hit all too close to home for us. We didn't know the dive club, but please know that all of the victims, survivors and their families and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Cara Kolczynski
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I cannot find the words to say to express the sadness we feel for your lost divers, and the families and friends left behind. I am so sorry this happened. There are many divers here in Jacksonville Florida with broken hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
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Dear All,
I have been trying to think what to write. Words seem inadequate. The shock and disbelief has faded somewhat and we start to comprehend the full scale of this terrible tragedy. I am sure that nothing I can say will ease the pain and grief that you and the families and friends of those who lost loved ones on that dreadful night are feeling.
I know, from my all too brief acquaintance with you all that you have a wonderful group of people around you who will be providing the love and support to help you at this time. I saw so much courage and strength from people that night, selfless courage that simply focussed on the desperate attempt to help others. I know that courage and strength will not have faded and am certain that this will help everyone in the time ahead, not only to hold you upright in the face of overwhelming loss but to help you remember your friends in the way that they should be remembered, as vibrant, wonderful people who brought joy and laughter and who will remain with you in your hearts.
Divers form a special community. Regardless of age, gender or nationality, we all have a special bond. All of us feel your loss and grieve with you. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all and that warmth and care comes to you from people everywhere.
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As fellow divers, we are deeply saddened by the loss of your members. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and friends.
New York, NY
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We, here, at Outer Banks Diving are very saddened by these losses. This was a group of friends that visited us once a month for the last few years. They will be missed terribly.
I also have received many condolences from fellow divers and from many of folks in the Hatteras community. We just want to let you know we are here to help in anyway possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of their friends and their families.
With love and deepest sympathy
Amy & Capt John Pieno
Outer Banks Diving
Hatteras, NC
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Dear Fellow Divers, Family and Friends at the Richmond Dive Club,
As it says on your home home page we are all just "buddies" who have not met yet. Please except our sincere condolences for your lost. As fellow divers we feel your pain and suffering. Living in the New York metro area we know all to well right now how difficult it is to deal with the sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one. If you ever need any help from up north please let us know. We will think of you on our next dive. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Hartsdale, NY
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As a diver, I know the risks that can be encountered every time we enter the water. We are an elite group of fun-seekers, aren't we? We go to depth, hoping to see one more thing unseen thus far. We enter the water, knowing that our experiences in the sea are a Blessing to our own Spirits. We share a comradery with strangers; our only commonality is the water we enjoy "flying" through. Yet, we are not strangers in Spirit, for we have a common bond. That bond cannot be explained in words, but only by "getting wet." The Joy and Grace we feel in being in the "foreign" realm makes us friends for life. These experiences, unshared by non-divers, live in the hearts of us who have seen the deep and have filled our senses with the glorious bounty of the under-sea Wonders of God. I have met and dived with some of your members and am saddened by the loss of these forever friends.
Know that my Prayers are with you who are the survivors and with those who have made their last dive. May your Spirits be eased with the knowledge that we now have more Angels looking after us while at depth. May Peace enter your Hearts, and May God Bless.
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I just found out one of my best buds from CSULB, Aaron Stark, lost his life in this tragedy. My families prayers go out to all the victims.
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On behalf of the divers in the PeeDee area, I extend to you our deepest sympathy. Your loss is shared by all of us and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Scuba Madness Inc
Florence SC
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We're a dive shop in southern Oklahoma, we've been here about 10 years. Although we've not crossed paths to our knowledge, we've visited many of the same dive destinations. We travel with a core group, as you do, and our hearts are breaking for the loss you've suffered. We are stunned by the magnitude of your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you all grieve. We grieve for you.
Dive Pros
Duncan, Oklahoma
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We were fortunate to meet and dive with some of your divers on a trip to Bonaire in 99. Had a great time with some fun divers. With deepest sorrow we send our condolences. Any way that we can be of help please let us know. May God bless.
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I personally would like to take the time extend my condolences. I met Cheryl Lightbound last year in Australia on the Mike Ball liveaboard. She was my dive buddy for a week but became a friend for life, she had touched several people from around the world on our trip. Her diving skills were unmatched which made every adventure in the water comfortable and enjoyable. She often mentioned of her outings with the Richmond Dive Club and encouraged me to visit and go diving with the club when in Richmond. I often considered taking her up on the offer. We talked about going to Palau in the coming year. I knew that the Richmond Dive Club was going to Belize for the week so our dive club was following the weather extremely close. When we got the news, it was a devastation. All our hearts go out to you for your loss. As divers, you prepare yourself for what happens below the surface, but how do you prepare yourself for this type of tragedy? Divers are a special type of family and the entire Florida Aquarium Dive team would like to express our deepest sympathy for the lost of all your friends and relatives. We are here to help in any way. Our thoughts are with you for a long time to come.
Crystal Beach, Florida
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To the members, families and friends of the Richmond Dive Club
The members of the Bluegrass Dive Club in Lexington, Kentucky all express their condolences to the families and friends of the victims of the Wave Dancer disaster. The tragic event was announced at our club meeting on Tuesday of this week to great sadness. Many of our members have been on that same boat which serves to bring this tragedy even closer to home. We wish you all a speedy passing of this great sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bluegrass Dive Club
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My sincere sympathy to the friends, family, and dive buddies of the Richmond Dive Club.
I know you are all heartbroken for this seemingly senseless loss, but encourage you to remember several things. Your loved ones made their "transition" doing something they loved to do. They are not suffering, and would most likely not want you to grieve too long but to miss them, but let them go. So, with warm hearts and fond smiles, allow some tears to flow and embrace your cherished loving memories grateful for the times shared. Finally, when all else seems to fail in comfort, I recall the Unity Prayer of Peace and humbly offer it.
The Light of God surrounds us.
The Love of God enfolds us.
The Power of God protects us;
And the Presence of God watches over us.
Truly, wherever we are, God is, and all is well.
And so it is and shall be..
Crown ScubaVentures, Dallas Texas
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We are all very saddened to learn of this terrible tragedy that has befallen your members aboard the MV Wave Dancer. All of us in the DIVEMASTERS Association would like to express our sincerest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of Hurricane Iris. If there is anything that we can do to help your members in this time of hardship, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Very Sincerely,
DIVEMASTERS Association
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Hello,
I learned of the tragic news today and would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of your members who perished. This bad news couldn't come at a worse time and I hope everyone remains strong and courageous.
Dorval (Québec)
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Dear Richmond Dive Club-
I want to express my deepest sympathies to the members of the Richmond Dive Club and their families. There are so many who have been very deeply moved and effected by this week's events, including myself. I lost my friend, Aaron Stark, who was an Instructor / Host on the Wave Dancer. He, like many members of your club, has a great love of diving. One life can effect so many and we are all blessed to have such special people to share our lives with. Perhaps if each one of us carries a piece of this burden, we can find the strength to deal with this. You and your families will be in my thoughts and
Sacramento, CA
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As fellow divers we would like to send our condolences to the club on the loss of your members and friends.
St.Louis MO
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We are new to diving and heard about the tragedy. Our prayers and sympathies go out to all the families. Even though we never met, our mutual love for diving brings us together during this time.
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My wife and I, currently divers from Sacramento, California, want to write and express our sincere condolences and prayers for the loss of your diving colleagues in Belize. The Wave Dancer's capsizing leaves our diving community missing some of its most avid members. Our best wishes and sympathy to all members of the Richmond Dive Club in this time of difficulty.
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It was a very sad day for us at Lake Rawlings when we learned of
the tragic outcome of The Richmond Dive Club in Belize. Our
thoughts and prayers are with the family members . Many of the departed
were our friends who spent time with us, broke bread with us, and
shared joyous laughter on many occasions at Lake Rawlings. Every
dive they made together somehow became a glorious dive. We will miss
our friends dearly.Board of Directors,
LAKE RAWLINGS
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I have never met any of your members, but I wanted to offer my sincere condolences on the tragic losses suffered by your club. I am a diver here in California, and I know how much I, and likely all of your members, just love diving. It really feels as if I've lost a part of my family too. I know that words cannot heal the pain, but just know that there are a lot of people in the dive community that have been affected by this. I know that I speak for everyone across the country and around the world on the Rodale's Scuba Diving message board when I say that if there is anything that any of us can do at all, just let us know.
Los Angeles, Calif.
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As a member of Americus of Scuba Divers in Americus, GA I would like for you to please express condolences to the families of those lost in Belize. I always tell my friends if something should happen to me while on a dive trip know that I was happy as diving is something I really enjoy. It is while on these trips with friends and enjoying the wonders God has given us that I feel the closest to him.
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I send my personal condolences and prayers to all the members and members' families for the terrible loss you have all suffered. Your loss is my loss as well. I am a member and VP of the Marker Buoy Dive Club in Seattle, Washington. You will be hearing from us as a club, but I also felt compelled to extend my individual message to you all. My heart and tears go out to you. I know that you yourself are a survivor. May you find the strength and peace to move forward through the sad days ahead.
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I realize you don't know me, but you do know (via email) Ed Graves, who is on the Board of our dive club the Moss Bay Divers Association, based in Kirkland WA. On behalf of the membership of our club, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences for your recent loss in Belize. This was a terrible accident and it touches us all, both as divers and as people. Please extend our sympathies to the families of those who were lost, to the survivors, and to the rest of your club.
Moss Bay Divers Association
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As a member of the club, a diver and a friend, I would like you to know that the Richmond Dive Club, it's members, family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. It was a real hard blow to a dive club that has such a strong knit, caring, fun loving family of divers and face such a tragedy. Tree Ridge Community Church and it's members send their prayers, thoughts and condolences to the club and would like them to know that, even though they are not divers, you are apart of our Richmond Community. As a local minister, I would like to let the Club, survivor's and families know that there are Tree Ridge Community Church, along with other local churches in the Richmond area who would like to help in any way possible. From Grief Counseling, services, food, financial, whatever needs that you may know of or that may arise, we are praying for all of you. Please let me know of the areas of town that the families live in, so that we can find some supporting churches in their area to assist them during this time of great sadness. Please let me know of any services, family needs or support that I or any of the churches can aid in, and I will pass it along to them to ease in their losses.
In the Depths of His Love and Deepest Condolences,
Rev. Roger D. Sack
Tree Ridge Community Church
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Kathy and I, will be keeping you and all club member families in our kind thoughts and prayers. We will forward our donation today and will forward your communication on to divers on our communications lists. In god we trust the souls of those we love,
Cliff Simoneau
Technical Diving International
C2 Educational Expeditions
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Dear Members of the Richmond Dive Club,
As members of the dive community we would like to extend our sincerest sympathies to the families and friends of the members of the dive club who lost their lives on the Wave Dancer in Hurricane Iris. Having been on the Wave Dancer several years ago we know it was planned to be a wonderful adventure, it is a tragedy that they should die in this unpredictable storm. Take Care and God Bless. DSAO.
Tebbetts, Missouri
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We at Sand Dollar Sports in Cozumel Mexico want to send our condolences and prayers to the families and friends of your lost members.
John Flynn, Director
Sand Dollar Sports
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In a world seemingly gone mad with terrorists attacks, it makes it all the harder to come to grips with the tragedy in Belize. From the owners and employees of Lynnhaven Dive Center and Sea Fever Diving Cruises, our most sincere condolences and sympathy to the families on their losses. We will be doing an oyster roast fund raiser for the families Saturday, October 20. We stand ready to assist in any other way possible.
Capt. Allen Cromer
Capt. Mike Hillier
Capt. Charles Salle
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Aloha , Club members
I know this is a bad time for your club and families of divers. This accident will send shock waves of pain though-out the industry and diving community. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your group. with much sadness and Aloha
Capt Brian , Tim and Staff
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I am a diver and I live in Charlottesville. On behalf of all the divers here I wish to extend our deepest sorrow for the tragic loss of the members in your club. We are meeting tomorrow night to establish a memorial fund to help the familys in your club. Please let me know any contact information, either with you or any other club member, so I can coordinate our efforts with any of yours. We want to help, we wholeheartdly support all of you, and I will continue to work out a way so that we can forward any and all funds collected to your club.
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Dear Members of RDC,
You don't know me, nor I you, yet after hearing of the tragic deaths of your members in Belize I am compelled to write to you.
It was truly shocking news to hear of the seemingly unnecessary tragedy of events that lead to the loss of your beloved president and club members. Please receive my prayers and condolences to you and for the families of the deceased.
I am an 8 year member of a Northern California Underwater Photographic Society a non-profit educational organization www.ncups.org founded in 1957. We too have many members who travel frequently worldwide.
Please feel free to contact us for support.
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To the members of the Richmond Dive Club:
We, the Michigan Sea Snoopers Dive Club, would like to extend our deepest sympathy to your club, it members and the families of those dear ones lost. May their spirits be ever free to behold the oceans and seas.
President, Michigan Sea Snoopers
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My prayers and condolences to all the families and the club friends.
I only knew 4 of the people personally but in the diving community we have all shared a dive together. I've dedicated one of my webpages to the Richmond Dive Club as a memorial http://extreme-scenes.com/tomorrow.htm . If there is anything I can do please let me know.
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Please convey our most sincere condolence to the families and friends of our fellow divers who were victims of the recent accident. May we all increase our efforts to better the world to honor their memory.
Carmel, Indiana
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My heart goes out to you on your loss of friends and fellow divers. If I can be of assistance to you or your group please call. I'm a seasoned dive traveler and a member of the Maryland Hydronauts a dive club up here in Baltimore. I realize that getting your friends and loved ones
home will be an arduous task. My number here at the college is ...
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We are so sorry to hear about the many divers who died during the hurricane in Belize. After the many tragic deaths in September, I hate to hear of so many more deaths, particularly of your friends and acquaintances. Please accept our condolences --and know of our support and prayers for you and all the dead and their families.
BIG CREEK, Belize (12 Oct 2001)
The first of two Belizean crewmembers who perished while aboard the dive boat Wave Dancer was buried this afternoon in Corozal.
Eloisa Johnson, the boat's cook, died with nineteen others on Monday night when the Wave Dancer capsized in the port of Big Creek while trying to ride out Hurricane Iris.
One member of the boat's crew said that even though the Belizeans wanted to seek shelter inland, the captain told them that if they left, they would be fired.
Angela Luk, the assistant cook, decided that her life was worth more than her job and walked away--but couldn't convince the others to go with her.
"I don't think you should worry about comfort and those things when the hurricane coming directly to you. You should just run for your life" Angela said.
That's exactly what twenty-five year old Angela Luk did on Monday night. Luk had been employed as the relief assistant cook aboard the dive boat Wave Dancer since May of this year. The passengers and crew were moored at Lighthouse Reef on Sunday.
"From Sunday night, we went to bed already about nine o'clock and one of the crewmembers came to knock on our door and he said: 'You guys need to go to the kitchen and secure everything. We might leave tonight, either to Big Creek or Belize City'. At that time, there was drinking already, having fun, joking around, like nothing is happening around," Angela explained.
But early Monday morning, instead of heading for Belize City, the captain, Philip Martin, steered the boat south, heading for the deep water port of Big Creek to wait the storm out. By this time, there were predictions that Hurricane Iris would hit the lower part of the country hardest. The passengers trusted the captain's judgement but the decision did not sit well with the Belizean crew.
"From Lighthouse to Big Creek, it took us about seven hours," Angela continued. "I don't think the captain wanted any staff to get off at that time because on Sunday night, the cook went to the captain, I was right beside them, and she told him, 'During Mitch, they let off the local crews, whoever wanted to get off the boat got off at the Fort George Dock and then they continued go to Big Creek.' But he said, 'If you guys come off the boat, who will cook and clean the cabins?' So he was not going to let anyone off. But the guests, the captain told the guests that Big Creek is a very safe place and the only thing you will feel is a little bit of breeze."
"During the trip from Lighthouse to Big Creek, that day, they (the guests) weren't drinking during the day," Angela added. "They were checking out the computer, checking out the pictures they had taken, having fun, painting each other's toenails and so on. So they weren't worried a lot."
When the Wave Dancer docked at Big Creek, the twenty passengers were happy to see the other members of their group from Richmond, Virginia aboard the Belize Aggressor, which had also decided to seek shelter in the south. The passengers staye onboard, enjoying the company of friends, but she herself had already planned to seek shelter inland.
"The boat docked at Big Creek by the port about little bit after three o'clock and then my boyfriend arrived and I left," said Angela. "Before I left, I went to inform the second captain first. I said, "I'm sorry, the hurricane is coming directly to us and I'm not going to stay on the boat and risk my life." He told me, "You cannot leave, you still have a job to do." I said, "I'm sorry I'm still going for my life. Then I went to the captain and I told him the same thing and he said, 'If you go, you're not coming back' and I said, "That's fine, I'm still going. I'm not going to be stupid and stay on the boat and risk my life."
The other crewmembers were confused and worried as they checked in with their families and Angela tried to convince them to leave with her, but in the end, no one else came ashore.
"They were really worried, there were crying and they were confused," Angela said. "They didn't know if they should go home, they wondered if they could go back to Corozal or if they should stay on the boat. But they decided to stay."
The crew that stayed behind included cook Eloisa Johnson. Johnson's husband, Albert Hall says his wife wanted to get off the boat.
"She said, 'Babes, I think we're okay. The guy told me, if I leave, I'm fired,' Albert explained. "I said, 'Forget that, get off that boat.' And she was mad and she wanted to get off. I know she wanted to get off. She told me that this guy said she had to cook food for these guests."
"The other girl, Brenda Wade, she had talked to her mother I'm sure, but I am not sure if she had talked to her sister before I left," said Luk. "I had offered to take her with me too but she said, 'I believe that when your time is come, it's your time.' So she said if anything, if the hurricane hit, she said she would rather die on the boat."
Those last words haunted Angela Luk when she learned of the tragic fate of the Wave Dancer late Monday night.
"I was like, cold seed was all over," said Luk. I was really worried about my co-workers first. I didn't know anything, I heard fifteen persons had died and I found out two of the co-workers had died but I didn't know who was it. But when I found out that it was the two girls that worked with me, they died, I was really sad. I couldn't believe at that moment that they had really died."
The Belizean survivors included dive master Bart Stanley, and another crew member named Chico. Funeral services for Brenda Wade are expected to take place on Friday.
Captain Philip Martin and owner Peter Hughes of Wave Dancer were in Big Creek today and could not be reached for comment.
Angela Luk's name has been removed from the list of employees at the Peter Hughes Diving web site.
CDNN
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contents of this site © 2005 Milly Armao, except where
otherwise noted.