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Category 5 Hurricane
"IVAN"
Georgetown/Grand Cayman
12 September 2004
All pictures (c) Marek Galkiewicz (17 Sep 2004)
Hurricane Ivan which hit Cayman Islands at 12 September 2004 was the 6th strongest hurricane over the land in history. According to Cayman National Hurricane Centre wind strength at 12 sep was 145 mph but the first-handed news (Radio Officer from HMS Waveruller- support vessel sent to Cayman) reported about 180 mph with peak 240 mph. Grand Cayman disappeared from the radar three times, completely covered by waves.
Damages on island were catastrophic. Ivan left circa 70 human beings dead, 90% buildings, 70% cars and 90% boats were destroyed. There was no water nor energy thus damaged power and water plants.
Just before the hurricane our company decided to escape with both boats to Honduras. We started to sail south the day and a half before the hurricane and generally avoided the direct hit. Apart from tearing #4 headsail (which we lost when wind raised from 40 to 70 kt within 5 mins) both boats survived in good shape. During delivery we (4 onboard) experienced 70kt, 50ft waves and 36kt boatspeed. Looong nights...
Post hurricane waves... 36 hours later (short movie).
Georgetown before hurricane...
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And after Ivan...
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Our container - a week after the hurricane
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