Aid Needed: Rich Ryan's Post-Storm Struggle

My name is Rich Ryan, I own a charter boat called Paladin and it’s both my home and only source of income…I’m also a Veteran. I do not own a vehicle and I do not rent an apartment room or house…I live on my boat and she’s all I got.

I am in need of disaster help since surviving the two storms Helen and Milton that hit us here in Florida. Yes, you also saw me on Channel 10 news in Tampa more than once about this, and yes, I was on my boat during both storms, only leaving during Milton when roofing shingles from the nearby building began hitting the boat.

I was denied by SBA and FEMA. I did submit an appeal however I now find myself completely helpless without money for living expenses and without money to pay for the necessary repairs to get back to work…so no money to buy food, no electric or running water…no heat or air, no fridge, no microwave, no water…completely sucks.

Paladin has been a staple in the Port Richey community for 30 plus years under the previous ownership of Captain Joe Meadows, followed by Captain Jesse Zuban, and now me.

As mentioned, the boat was damaged due to hurricanes Helen and Milton. Leaking water caused damage to the interior portions of the exterior walls on the boat, the entire electric service panel, and the generator.

The repairs to the boat are approximately $42,000 and will take approximately 6 to 8 weeks from funding to complete. This includes fiberglass work, electric work, generator replacement, and window support repair on the flybridge.

The remaining $18,000 includes bills due since both storms hit that I couldn’t pay and sufficient working/living capital to get me through February, which is when the repairs will be complete and I can start booking trips again.

As my friends know, I would do anything for anyone, even if it meant taking my only shirt off if someone needed it…I am just that guy. People go to me for help…NOT the other way around, and it is without question the most devastating and humbling experience I’ve ever been faced with, and it hurts.

If you can find it in your heart to help me, I would appreciate it deeply…I don’t have anywhere else to go…I was denied by the SBA for a loan, I was denied by FEMA for disaster relief, and the State of Florida says the programs to help me are either non-existent or closed already.

Please help if you can…Capt. Rich