Hurricane Dorian: Jet skiers rescue 100 residents trapped in flooded homes in the Bahamas as rescue efforts continue

A woman who was trapped by flood waters caused by Hurricane Dorian is taken to safety on a jet ski
AP
Katy Clifton7 September 2019

Kind-hearted jet skiers in the Bahamas rescued around 100 people trapped in their homes during the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Dorian this week.

A search for victims and survivors is ongoing five days after Dorian hit the Bahamas with 185 mph winds that obliterated homes.

As rescue efforts continue, Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Michael Pintard has told of he was forced to make urgent calls for help while trapped with his family in their home.

While stuck with his wife and six-year-old daughter on the second floor, Mr Pintard told CNN how three men riding jet skis pulled up outside to rescue them.

"They did a phenomenal job, not just with us. What we saw when we came out is that they continued to go back in and over and over again," Mr Pintard told CNN.

“We thought it would pretty much be a routine ride out, but the waves were still pretty strong, and the wind was fairly high.

"We capsized, my wife and I, at least twice. My daughter capsized on a jet ski as well.”

The broadcaster reports that Jensen Burrows and d’Sean Smith, who are both part of the GB Jet Ski Club, rode out to help people trapped alongside navigator

The jet skiers said they rescued about 100 people on Tuesday, ferrying them to the Casuarina Bridge. The pair were joined by dozens of others who also helped in their rescue mission.

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Mr Smith told CNN: “The wind was pelting you, so it felt like rocks being pelted at you. I had his daughter and my friend, and the jet ski tipped over.

"Jensen had the minister and his wife and Jensen also flipped over. He insisted we take the daughter and wife to safety first, so we did and came back for him."

It comes as hundreds of desperate storm victims gathered at the port in Grand Abaco in the Bahamas on Friday, hoping to get off the hurricane-devastated island, amid signs of rising frustration over the pace of the disaster-relief effort.

"It's chaos here," said Gee Rolle, a 44-year-old construction worker who waited with his wife for a boat that could take them to the capital, Nassau.

"The government is trying their best, but at the same time, I don't think they're doing a good enough job to evacuate the people. It ain't liveable for nobody. Only animals can live here."

The Bahamian health ministry said helicopters and boats were on the way, but officials warned of delays because of severe flooding.