Pago Pago Hit Hard

The Aussie yacht Biscayne Bay broke free from the pier at Pago Pago and was severely damaged in the tsunami of Sept. 29, 2009. Waters rose 25 or more feet and relocated boats, cars, containers, etc.

Memorial to Tsunami Victims Pago Pago

The island is still grieving its dead. Many are suffering from trauma and remember in their dreams the horrible morning.

Cruiser Survivors

Pictured here is the family of Sunshine: Merritt, Lew and Oye (back row) whose boat and home is pictured here. Larry's Tribute suffered only minor damage but Cheryl (and absent Randy) from Caribee have months of work ahead, but she floats. Stephen (far right) of Tulak is homeless now with his boat 1/4 mile inland.

Samoan Family

Cruiser Dan Olszewski was tragically lost in the tsunami of Sept. 29, 2009 in Pago Pago. Through this tragedy Joan learned of a family connection to Samoa. This is High Chief Lili'o who is married to Joan's cousin.

Dan's Last Cruise

With the help of the Samoan Red Cross and her newly found Samoan family, Joan was able to get approval for Dan to be buried at sea.

Goodbye Danny

Joan waves goodbye to us as the boat bearing Dan's body departs Pago Pago bound for the open sea. Dan was buried at: 14-19.36 S / 170-39.55W in 1000' of water.

Doorway to Destruction

This relatively large fishing boat was swept up by the tsunami waves and driven through the side of the Community Center building, coming to rest inside the building.

More Hydraulic Power

This pickup truck was carried by the waves and deposited, and stuck into, the side of the Community Center Building. "Remember 9-29-09" is painted adjacent to the hideouos wreck.

Memorial to a Victim

This memorial was set up (probably by relatives) for one of the victims of the tsunami. The memorial is nearly at the end of the bay where the most destruction occurred. The dome tent is an example of the tents provided by FEMA which began to appear two weeks after the disaster.

Tsunami's Power

This huge fishing boat remains snugly tucked between a tree and a light pole.

House at the end of the Bay

Black wreaths adorned this house which was moved quite a distance from its original site.

Damaged Recycle Center

Note the damage to the support structure of this building.

Good Old Tulak

Owner Stephen Brasa was aboard Tulak ("Wanderer" in Polish) when the tsunami struck. He rode Tulak backwards up the main street, tearing down telephone poles with his masts until coming to rest 1/4 mile inland from the end of the bay. For 18 days she lay along side the road in downtown Pago Pago. When she was gently set into the water after her sojourn on land, she had only one tiny hole in her rugged old hull. Stephen promises she will sail again.

Collage of Boats

The dock at Pago Pago is beginning to get littered with boats destroyed in the tsunami.

Beautiful Babes

We took a ride to the town of Aua to refill our propane tank. This little 6 month old sweetie entertained us on our way back to Pago Pago.

Lucky

The kitten Lucky was found after the tsunami by Kirk and Catherine of Gallivanter. He is now part of the family and son Stuart calls him his little brother. Feisty little Lucky has enormous paws and should grow up to rival in size his cousin Jake.