Three American Couples in Jamaica Face Evacuation Challenges

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PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Promising an idyllic escape, Sandals South Coast touts its resort with the slogan: “Water flows through, under and around.” This allure was precisely what three families were seeking for their annual getaway to the islands this October. While they were aware of a potential storm, it seemed unlikely to pose any real threat.

Jessica Pope recounted, “We had heard about a tropical depression. It wasn’t unexpected because we travel to the Caribbean every October and have never faced any major issues before. When we departed on Tuesday, we were aware of the tropical depression. However, by Thursday, the situation escalated, and it was clear that a major event was brewing.”

As Hurricane Melissa rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm, threatening Jamaica, the three families were forced to rethink their vacation plans. What started as a minor concern quickly turned into a race against time to find flights back home.

Pope explained their predicament, “We were booked on Delta flights, but there was no availability for departures. We were flying with American Airlines, and when we began searching for tickets, the prices had skyrocketed to around $3,000 each. We eventually found a single flight with a reasonable fare, but it was just one ticket. This meant I would have to leave my husband behind, or we would have to split from our friends. Coordinating a way for all six of us to leave together proved impossible.”

Once it was too late, the vacationers from the 757 say all guests were moved to a single building, while non-essential personnel were sent home.

“Everybody’s on the second, third or fourth [floors],” Pope said. “They have our rooms stocked with food, stuff that can stay in our little refrigerators, lots of snacks, plenty of water, toiletries. After 11 a.m. today, we went on lockdown last night, and they told us today we could go out until 11, but their staff is staying here with us, the ones that are helping us.”

The families could ask for your thoughts and prayers as they ride out the storm. Instead, they are asking you to pray for the people of Jamaica.

“We know that we’re in a much better situation than their families, I’m sure,” Pope said. “And where their homes are. I mean, we’re up high and in a secure building that has a generator. I mean, it’s the people in Jamaica [who] need prayers now, but the staff here has been amazing.”