Tahoe seaplane being used in Haiti relief efforts

Bill and Gina DaSilva of Carson City are providing airlift for medical teams to Haiti from Opa Locka, Fla., using their 1951 Grumman Albatross Amphibious Seaplane.

Zephyr Cove-based SeaPlane Operations LLC is providing personnel, logistical support and planning services for the operation as well as publicizing the effort and soliciting donations for fuel and other expenses.

The Albatross is uniquely suited to fly direct to the shores of Haiti, bypassing the crowded airport and avoiding the damaged roads that have delayed widespread aid distribution so far.

The first relief flight departed the airport in Opa Locka Jan. 24 at 10am carrying a team of doctors and nurses from Marquette, Mich. This first trip will deliver five medical personnel and several thousand pounds of supplies.

Able to carry 4000 pounds of material to the Haitian shore and return to the U.S. without refueling in Haiti, Bill and Gina DaSilva’s Albatross will continue to provide support for the medical team as well as other needs in Haiti as long funding for the fuel required is available. While the aircraft and crew services are all being donated, $6,000 of fuel must be purchased for each round trip.

Funds are being collected by Marquette Unitarian Universalist Congregation,

PO Box 687,Marquette, MI 49855. Write “Haiti Quake Relief Fuel” in the memo line and you will receive a letter in return making that donation tax deductible. A website devoted to this mission is up at http://haiti.seaplaneops.com/Haiti and donations will soon possible through that site.