Liveaboard Fire Relief Fund for Valerie Gilbert

To know Val is to know the true power of positivity. Whether it’s as a scuba instructor, team member or friend she uplifts everyone who has the good fortune of getting to know her. Which is why it’s our turn to help lift Val up during an unexpected time of need.

On March 1, Val, her friends and 18 other passengers/crew were victims of a massive fire on the Oceanic Liveaboard in Raja Ampat . They had to jump ship with zero time to grab any personal belongings before it was completely engulfed in flames. Luckily everyone was safe and only some crew members who stayed on the boat to assist in the evacuation experienced minor symptoms from smoke inhalation.

However, Val along with others experienced significant personal loss and is now also facing unexpected costs with emergency visas, flights, license/passport renewal and the replacement of her scuba kit which she relies on for work. Val’s Sun Divers fam is doing all we can to help her get back on her feet (and in her fins!! ) and others have expressed an interest in doing so as well so we are creating this GoFundMe Campaign to help one of our most favorite people.

The money raised from this campaign will help Val replace everything that she lost, including those items listed below. While travel insurance is covering a small amount of her costs, claims were not accepted for her phone or dive insurance and the liveaboard has yet to commit to a refund. So Val will be burdened with footing most of the bill.

Let’s help her out so we can all keep enjoying living life to the fullest with her on land and under the sea! Your support of any amount will be a big help to Val.

What Your Contribution Will Help Val Replace

Entire Scuba Kit: BCD, Mask, Regulator, Wetsuit, Fins

Instructor Essentials: DSMB, Slates, etc.

Travel Luggage

Apple iPhone

Passport and Licenses

Clothes

And more!