During delivery of boats, fishing gear and basic dive gear to the Sea Gypsies close to Sarasin Bridge on the northern tip of Phuket Island, Prob discovered another nest of poverty. In this tiny village, some families had lost their boats. that we are eventually hoping to replace with funds donated. Whilst checking for data and accuracy, Prob visited the so-called "house" of a family that had applied for a boat. The Tsunami destroyed the boat (their only form of income) and a tree collapsed and destroyed their simple home. As they have no income now, no spare funds or even a chance of a loan, they "built" their new home from wooden planks and corrugated iron. In an area not more than 20 square metres, seven people live in conditions worse than we would keep our animals. The head of the family was already very grateful to get a boat and did not feel the need to ask for anything more.

When Prob told the story at a BBQ with some of our divers, they spontaneously collected nearly the whole amount of money that was needed to build the sea gypsies a basic, but suitable, home.

Next morning, the whole group went to visit their new proteges and some of them had to redefine their expectations of what they imagined poverty to be.

Here is a photo of the sponsors with the family. Normally, the Sea Gypsies are not very well considered in society. As they have little or no education, they don't know their rights or how to get help. They don't expect help from others and are very surprised and grateful that someone is.