GEORGE TOWN, Grand Cayman -- It's business as usual in the Cayman
Islands, despite a close brush with Hurricane Michelle Nov. 4. Dive
and scuba trips resumed two days after the seas calmed.
The Cayman Islands Tourism Association hosted a group of dive
operators four days after the storm, and a water-sports festival
took place a week later. The weather system passed 140 miles west
of Grand Cayman.
Although the west coast of Grand Cayman experienced strong storm
surges and tides, damage was limited to street debris and localized
flooding of ground floor units at several condominium
complexes.
The harbor in George Town sustained waterfront damage, which has
been repaired.
Tourism officials said the Cayman Turtle Farm, located in
Northwest Point along the island's west coast, suffered significant
damage from flooded tanks. Residents and volunteers relocated many
of the turtles. The retail shop reopened, but the farm is still
closed. All other attractions were unaffected.
The Sister Islands of Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, northeast
of Grand Cayman, had little damage. Agents with clients booked to
the Cayman Islands should contact specific properties for
up-to-date information. Additional contacts include CITA at (345)
949-8522 and the Sister Islands Tourism Association at (345)
948-2266. The Cayman Islands' Web site is at www.caymanislands.ky.