On Tuesday morning July 24 at 3 a.m., a tragic fire consumed the Utila Hyperbaric Chamber and Trauma Center and also the Bay Island College of Diving. Both of these facilities were located on the Island of Utila in the Bay Islands of Honduras and were completely destroyed. The chamber was implemented on September 1, 2000. To date the facility treated over 20 injured divers and performed 54 hyperbaric treatments on not only visiting tourist divers but also served the local Honduran lobster divers. It also treated many injured tourists and local residents for major and minor injuries. It is the only trauma center on Utila that is staffed 24 hours a day by volunteers. The need for such a facility on this remote island in Honduras is a must. Plans are already in action to rebuild this much need treatment facility. I am sending this email to all of you with hopes that you will be able to help and also forward it to others in the search for funds and equipment. To rebuild and replace this facility will cost in excess of $250,000.00, well beyond the means of the island and country. With out your help it will take years to replace this vital humanitarian facility. There is no amount too large or too small. There are many ten dollar items as well as equipment ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Funds collected are tax deductible and may be sent to: Wesley United Methodist ChurchC/O Utila Fund3890 Dowlen Rd.Beaumont, Texas 77706 Clearly mark donations to ''Utila Fund'' Equipment and medical supplies are also tax deductible and can be sent to : Broussard Brothers ''PRIME TIME'' C/O UTILA HYPERBARIC CHAMBER AND TRAUMA CENTER Intercoastal City25817 LA HWY 333Abbeville, Louisiana 70510 Freight information contact person: Joni Toucht 337-898-1888Person in charge of receiving freight Dallas Dubway 337-893-5303 Island information: UTILA HYPERBARIC CHAMBER AND TRAUMA CENTERISLAND OF UTILABAY ISLANDS, HONDURASCONTACT: JIM ENGEL PHONE: 011-504-425-3143FAX: 011-504-425-3209EMAIL: [email protected] or [email protected]