Part 3: Boston Herald - Stuck in Honduras for COVID-19
Before reading this post, you should considering joining me in donating to the Roatan Marine Park. Their conservation efforts are crucial to the ecosystem’s stability, and a large portion of their income will be destroyed as a result of tourism downturn in 2020.
It’s early, or at least very early to be going to sleep. I’m in the middle of getting ready for sleep, having just told Kate goodnight. I’m tired but it’s hard to sleep. Thoughtlessly scrolling through my phone, I get a message on whatsapp:
Unfortunately the permit was not issued for the charter.
The governor said earlier that they'd been in talks with United (American and delta had not been responsive). I'm looking into what's available on United right now and theres another charter possibility. Can anyone not already on United send me passport numbers and birthdays so I can maybe book flights if they're open? Thanks.
I let out a big sigh. Definitely not going to be able to sleep now.
“Unfortunately the permit was not issued for the charter.”
Newspaper coverage of our group stuck in Roatan. Several publications ran stories, including the Boston Herald and CBS Local.
It’s dark as I walk down the stony path towards the restaurant area. Cigarettes are being sucked down to the filters. Brie grabs another bottle of wine from inside, “the bar closes at 8 but I’m drinking until I have 3 backup plans in place.” The tension in the air feels like that first night where no one knew what would happen to us. The table is in high gear solving the problems for everyone stuck in Roatan, especially for the people that are sleeping. This is a wine-fueled team effort, and Kim is leading the charge to get everyone home.
If you’re ever looking to take a scuba diving trip, please check out East Coast Divers in Brookline, MA. I have full confidence that Kim and the crew at ECD will lead a perfect trip under normal circumstances, because they did it during a global pandemic. They travel all over the US and Caribbean.
The following hour was a whirlwind of options, planning, booking, and panicking. We explored everything from the reasonable, such as looking at all the flights to neighboring countries with flights home like Belize and Mexico, to the very unreasonable, such as a submarine charter to smuggle us off the island. I know a guy that knows a guy that can dock a submarine in Florida. I wish that was a joke.
We get everyone flights on United. Days later, Governor Dino has confirmed publicly (via Facebook Live) that the Honduran government is working with United Airlines to ensure flights arrive in Roatan. It appears he’s been focusing on full suites of commercial planes, rather than individual charters, to evacuate foreigners from the island. Throughout the week, more United flights have popped up in their roster, and peopler have received confirmation emails. In contrast, everyone’s Delta and American flights have been canceled or delayed further.
Left to Right: Brie, Jason, Sarah, Alexine, Rosie, Adam, and Taylor are excited to be the first of our group to catch flights off the island.
Things have calmed down considerably by now. Some members of the group have contacted local and national news outlets. Our story is gaining a lot of traction, along with the many Americans stranded in Peru and Morocco. I’m not sure how much this is actually helping, but it feels good to be heard. At a minimum, it’s a good laugh when my colleagues link to the Boston Herald article saying “People will do anything to get out of work.”
On the 22nd, Kim finally got in touch with the US embassy directly. They begin asking for very detailed questions, beyond the typical “Last Name, Confirmation Number.” Kim is relaying US addresses, passport numbers, emergency contacts - the whole deal. While the United flights are great, and we’re thankful they’re confirmed, the group is abuzz with the possibility of being airlifted on a C130 like the US International Football team that was stranded in Honduras.
Well, the embassy got back to us. Their “evacuation” is from the mainland only (not from the island we are on currently) and we will have to pay for the military flights. They also mention that this will probably be more expensive than a commercial flight:
Under U.S. law, passengers on U.S. government-organized flights are responsible for paying the cost of their ticket, which may be higher than standard commercial fares. U.S. travelers on these flights are required to sign a promissory note before boarding. No cash or credit card payments will be accepted. U.S. travelers will be responsible for any arrangements or costs (lodging, onward destination or local transportation, etc.) related to travel from the initial destination in the United States. Exact departure time and routing are subject to change.
We’re not pursuing those flights. Even if we wanted to, it would be difficult or impossible to catch them as the ferries to the mainland are currently not running. I do appreciate that they’re available for people stranded on the mainland with no other options.
Today, the first 7 people in our group of 16 made their United Airlines flight back to Boston. They landed safely in Houston (which they said was very empty), and are currently on their way home. Knowing that there are planes leaving, and that I get to see Kate soon, is exactly what I need to get through the next 4 days.