I've been writing for Sport Diver and Scuba Diving magazines for nearly 25 years. In that time, I've seen hurricanes cause devastating damage to many Caribbean islands, including Georges and Mitch in 1998; Iris in 2001; Charley and Ivan in 2004; Felix in 2007; and Ike in 2008. These storms were so deadly and destructive, their names have been retired by the World Meteorological Organization. Here at the magazine, we were heartbroken to learn of the deaths and damage on the beautiful Leeward Island of Dominica caused by Tropical Storm Erika. A colleague of mine and I were scheduled to visit the island the week after the storm, but due to extensive damage to its airport our trip was postponed until next month. I'm happy to report that Buddy Dive on Dominica, located at the Fort Young Hotel, has resumed normal dive operations and has provided the first photographs showing that the reefs off the island's Caribbean and Atlantic coasts are unaffected by the storm.

We're pleased to provide this report by Buddy Dive on Dominica, whose staff has been keeping us updated as to how the island and its local population have been recovering from the effects of this storm. Want to see even more photos and read the most recent update on the island's status? Read their blog here.

The Buddy Dive Dominica Dive Report

On Thursday, September 10, 2015, we spent a memorable day as we went out with the Dutch Marines on our first reconnaissance dive mission after Tropical Storm Erika, to see if the storm did any damage to our beautiful reefs.

The first dives were on the Atlantic side of the island; visibility here is not great yet, but no damages were discovered on the dive sites.

Visibility in the marine park on the south side of the island is already much better and as expected the reefs are in the same condition as three weeks ago and no damage was found. Our final stop – Champagne Reef – is currently only accessible by boat as the boardwalk is damaged, but diving at the reef was as great as before. The thousands of warm bubbles still gave us the feeling of swimming through a giant glass of champagne!

Gus, a Buddy Dive divemaster and boat captain, says, “I’ve been diving here now for over 20 years, and I am glad not even a storm like this can destroy these beautiful reefs. The visibility was a little less because of the rivers, but almost back to normal now. We are ready for the season and everybody is welcome to Dominica.”

As the old saying goes: Images say more than a thousand words. Buddy Dive Dominica is happy to show the world the beautiful reefs of Dominica after Erika. And thanks to the Dutch Marines for the successful mission.

Dominica is open for business!

How You Can Help

In August 2015, Tropical Storm Erika caused extensive flooding across the island. When natural disasters impact our favorite dive islands, we divers often ask: How can we help? Dominica's economy is dependent on tourism and agriculture. We can't help grow crops, but we can plan a dive vacation to this beautiful "Nature Isle of the Caribbean." Efforts to repair some infrastructure on the island are ongoing. To learn more on how you can help with “T.S. Erika Relief Fund for Dominica” campaign visit: http://www.gofundme.com/DA-ErikaReliefFund. If you're tweeting, use #PostErika.

About Buddy Dive Dominica

Buddy Dive on Dominica is the ideal base from which to discover all that Dominica has to offer. Enjoy superior amenities like the Buddy Dive shop, Zemi spa, the pool with spectacular ocean view, the Jacuzzi deck, spacious rooms, exceptional service and superb dining.