Whitsunday businesses help backpackers in need

Whitsunday businesses banded together to help a group of backpackers whose pre-booked adventure sailing trip fell through last week.

 Emil Janssen from Holland was one of 14 travellers who did not depart from Abel Point as planned. Mr Janssen was originally booked on the Oz Sail boat Freight Train through Sydney-based booking agency Wicked Travel, but at check-in time he was told the boat could not go. Mr Janssen was upgraded to the boat Spank Me but this too was unable to depart.

 “We waited and waited but nothing happened,” Mr Janssen said.

 Owner/operator of Pro Sail David Malloy said he was working at the marina and found the group on the dock.

 “They’d been waiting for hours,” Mr Malloy said.

Manager of Oz Sail Fraser Yule said the company advised customers that Freight Train was inoperable, relocating them to Spank Me prior to finding unforseen problems with this vessel’s propellor.

“I was advised reinstallation would be a relatively easy task and everything would be ready to go so we could take these people out as planned, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case,” Mr Yule said.

Mr Malloy said he felt compelled to step in, offering all affected parties a place aboard his vessel Condor, departing the next day.

 “We’re having a hard enough time as it is without sending people away from the Whitsundays not having experienced what they could,” he said.

 To make up the shortfall in a night’s accommodation, management at Airlie Waterfront Backpackers provided discounted beds, free wi-fi, free luggage storage and car-parking for the duration of the trip.

 Whitsunday Charter Boat Industry Association (WCBIA) Executive Secretary Deb Lewis commended these actions.

 “I support David Malloy in his amazing efforts to turn this situation around. I am proud to see one of our members take responsibility to give these people the wonderful trip they deserve,” she said.

 “It all turned out perfectly,” Mr Janssen said. “I’m glad I’ve seen the Whitsundays now.”