An English translation of an article that appeared in the "Malayalam Manorama" (The largest single circulation National Malayalam Newspaper in India) on 24 Mar 05.
click here to read the original article in Malayalam.
click here to see the accompanying photo
Thoppumpady [district office from where the report was filed]: The kindness that came across the sea helping the shore. 16 British Defence people joined together to help the fishermen victims who have lost their livelihood following the Tsunami by building boats for them.
In the Kondo Syokai Leisure India Pte Ltd. boat yard, situated in Angilithara [location] in the Kumbalangi [District] region is where the fibreglass boats are being constructed.
This company Kondo Syokai belongs to a Britisher Dr John Crabtree and T M Louis, Thykootathil Kattiparambu, Cochin, who are business partners. The 16 members of the British Navy, Army and Air Force reached Cochin last Tuesday and are headed by Lt Daniel D'Silva and Captain Kris Beauman.
The mould has been ready for the fibreglass boat, which measures 9 metres in length and 1.5 metres in width.
The first boat will be ready to launch within 10 days and work is progressing at a fast pace.
Both the British Forces and the boat yard workforce have joined together in this work.
The team includes 4 women and they are working to get the fibreglass mould finished as illustrated.
The team will be here in Cochin for 21 days and are aged between 18 and 21.
To help the fishing community Aldershot Rotary Club in the UK has also given an order for 4 boats to be constructed in the Kondo Syokai boat yard.
Illustration Caption Reads:
The British workforce are building a fibreglass boat for the tsunami victims who have lost their boats
