Earlier this month OnTheWight reported about a Brighstone man who headed off to the Greek island of Lesvos to help with the refugee crisis.
Ian Johnson is still out in Lesvos and has been sending back regular updates to his wife, Marianne.
Below is the latest instalment, in which Ian gives an insight into the work he and other volunteers are selflessly carrying out in Lesvos.
Reading his reports brings a lump to the throat. Well done Ian. Ed
News from the Korakas Lighthouse
It’s 4am and an eventful day. Early yesterday we had a landing of ninety refugees and that stretched our logistics to the limit. Access to lighthouse is very difficult as it’s steep and sloppy, but up in village, about four miles away, it is 2,000ft higher and the roads impassable with snow.
At 7pm last night, two of us were on duty and heard that the night crew couldn’t get here. At that point a man walked into shelter and sat down. We are used to local shepherds doing that, but then another and another and another, all soaked.
We never heard a thing. Then a man arrived with floppy child. Oh no!! Within minutes we had forty people crammed into a space smaller than our kitchen at home. All soaked and shivering, no light, except my head torch, and only two of us to cope. Got the generator on and turned on heaters.
We put out a distress call. Put space blankets on everyone. Took off their wet clothes. Handed out sweets. Assessed transport. In one hour two cars were arriving. Separate young children and parents for first load. Not easy in dark.
Then a march 1km to where cars can reach and where mine is parked. We load up and message the lighthouse to keep remaining twenty or so until next pickup. Then march up the hill. It was very hard going – but getting I’m fit.
I sing to them to lead them and they follow. Almost an hour later get to bottom of the village where it’s very slippery. One in three gradient of snow covered cobbles. Other volunteers march them to the top of village, then drive to the cheese factory. I return, then drive two volunteers back to village, then return.
I keep hallucinating about the sound of of motors. Now night shift from lighthouse team have arrived, but without a medic so I have stayed on for the night shift. Astonishing times. Europe 2016!
Very interesting times
Surprisingly, I am detached emotionally now able to continue. Not even upset by deaths yesterday (two children died from hyperthermia).
As one of Germans said, ‘sh*t happens’. It’s just very bizarre that this is happening and it has become a new norm.
I’m becoming quite a rally driver, as the track up from lighthouse is not for faint hearted! Little car stuffed to the gunnels with soaked steaming bodies, so I often have to hang out of window to see where I’m going.
We have a great relationship with Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) crew and they all seem to know me now.
Occasional successful medical intervention, but mainly putting on space blankets. Two of us dealt with a boatload last night. I was on with a young Glaswegian engineer, Antin, who really rose to occasion. He carries a great big book called emergency engineering solutions! We take the Micky mercilessly!
