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Please Help Rescue the Tribe!

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*** 7/26/17 Update***
(original story below update)

Hello Everyone! I can't thank you enough for all the support. Sharing this post and sending donations is making a world of difference! The Govatos Family is so grateful.

Here's what is going on.

Yesterday the tribe met up with a man named Marc. He and 3 volunteers were there to help the Govatos family salvage items that would take more of an effort to remove from the boat. When they all got out to Tanda Malaika a few more things like halyard lines etc had been stolen off her. The Govatos Family hopes whoever has them gets good use and realizes that they have part of a very special boat.


The crew was able to remove the generator, 2 Volvo engines and 2 lithium ion batteries off Tanda Malaika. They also got the last of the sails, the stove, etc. Marc has taken them to store in his warehouse in Fare - a town thirty minutes away.



The inspector will go out to Tanda Malaika today to give the thumbs up or thumbs down on whether she is environmentally safe to sink. The crew has already siphoned all diesel and oils so she should be ready.




Please continue to share this campaign. We are all so grateful for the prayers and support.

Much love,
Kjira


THE BEGINNING:

On July 18th, Danny, Belinda and four of their children were sailing their catamaran to Huahine in the Society Islands. Tanda Malaika has been their home for over 2 years and they all have become quite experienced and passionate sailors. 

It was dark and they were almost to their destination. Their Navionic Electric charts incorrectly indicated they were in deep water and the boat hit a huge reef. 8-10 ft waves pushed the boat further and further onto the coral. Their home immediately began taking on water. Other boats in the surrounding area attempted to assist the Govatos Family but it was soon obvious they had no choice but to get the coast guard involved. They were flown by helicopter to Huahine. No one was badly hurt from the wreck which is such a blessing.




The Govatos family is now staying with friends on a couple boats in an anchorage close to where Tanda Malaika currently sits. It is still unclear whether their home is salvageable or not but the they have an exhausting and expensive journey ahead.

Unfortunately because of the location of the wreck the boat, nor any belongings were covered under insurance and very little was recovered from the accident.

The first expense right out of the gate is to have Tanda Malaika removed from the reef. By law she has to be moved and the Govatos family finally has her prepped as best they can. A company will use bags and floats to lift and tow the boat 20 miles to the haul out facility in Riatea. Once on land they will be able to take a good look and see if she is repairable or ready to be demolished.

Starting on Monday they will have a perfect weather window for a couple days for towing but the salvage company needs a $25,000 deposit just to start which the Govatos family simply doesn't have. The salvage company charges $5,000 an hour for the tow. Hauling a wrecked boat is slow going and costs will begin to add up quickly. 

The cost of the tow will be a minimum of $75,000.  And this is all just the beginning. The numbers are huge and if they can repair her the Govatos Family will have a massive project ahead. 





This wonderful family has spent the last two years growing together, giving all that they could to others through humanitarian projects. From rebuilding a school in the Dominican Republic to handing out toothbrushes and glasses on Christmas Day in San Blas they have touched many lives. This time they are the ones that need our help. 

The Govatos Family is beyond grateful for any donation to help their cause, whether it be big or small. They are hard workers and they are devoted to each other and their home. Thank you for taking the time to read and share this story so these wonderful people can receive help as soon as possible.

Belinda Govatos is going to be updating her blog if you would like to hear a more detailed description of what happened the night of the wreck. She will also be posting updates as much as possible so we can all know what is currently happening with Tanda Malaika and the crew. 

Belinda's blog is: 
https://adventuresofatribe.com/

 My name is Kjira Willis and I am Belinda's daughter. If you have any questions about this gofundme please feel free to private message me on facebook. I am happy to help!I will also update the gofundme account as much as possible. 















 

Organizer and beneficiary

Kjira Willis
Organizer
Firth, ID
Belinda Govatos
Beneficiary

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