Major Irish Fishing Organisations spearhead rebuilding of Tsunami-hit fishing fleets.

The Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation and the Killybegs Fishermens Organisation have joined forces with The Hope Foundation to support the rebuilding of fishing fleets in the Tamil Nadu region of South-East India .  At least 8,000 people have died, with many more missing; in this province and thousands more have been left homeless. The Tamil Nadu region is heavily dependent on fishing as a source of income. The vast majority of the fishing vessels in the area have been totally destroyed or badly damaged.

The Hope Foundation, which is a Cork based charity and also works for the street children of Calcutta , have people on the ground in the area and they have identified four fishing villages whose fleets have been devastated by the St. Stephens Day Tsunami.  These villages, Thrangambadi, Vellakoil, Vannaigiri and Chiinagudi are very isolated and some 8hrs from the nearest airport.  As a result, they are not appearing on the media radar. Ms. Maureen Forrest, Founder and Director of the Hope Foundation spoke about Hope’s experiences in this area, “The Hope Team in Tamil Nadu got to know the needs of the people in the fishing community and while they are still suffering from loss of lives their greatest wish is to get back their independence through their livelihood” she said “Our thoughts turned to our Irish Fishermen, whom we felt could identify in someway with the hardships endured by fishing communities all over the world. When we approached them it was wonderful to see how willing they were to do everything they could to help”

According to Jason Whooley, Manager of the Irish South and West Fishermens Organisation, “There are no alternative opportunities in these areas and as such we can identify hugely with their situation.  Our aim is to put fishermen back on the water, from where they will be best able to support their dependent communities.  Our initial target is to directly fund the purchase of 25 replacement vessels, repair of 50 more and supply fishing gear to equip these vessels.  Each vessel supports 6 families, therefore up to 450 families will be assisted”.

Sean O Donoghue Chief Executive of the KFO said, “The Tsunami has had a devastating affect on fishing communities in south east Asia and the Organisation has been actively looking at ways to directly help in rebuilding some of these communities and restoring their livelihood. We believe that this kind of direct and targeted support to the four fishing villages in the Tamil Nadu region will help to start this process.  However even our combined direct funding of 25 replacement vessels, repair of 50 more and supply of fishing gear for these vessels represents only a portion of the assistance required in the area .The two Fishing Organisations are determined to further build on this and be calling on all sectors of the Irish fishing industry to support this practical assistance for their kindred fishermen.”

An AIB bank account has been set up for anyone wishing to contribute to this fund.  The account number is 50677329, sort code 93-63-83.  Alternatively cheques can be made out to “The Hope Foundation Tamil Nadu Fishing Fund” and sent to The Hope Foundation at 1, Clover Lawn, Skehard Road , Cork . 021-4292990.

For further information:

Jason Whooley 086-2360001

Sean O Donoghue 087-4196535

Sinead Harrington 086-8153441