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10 December 2007

Sailing to Chagos – Q&A

Sam Bouquet is sailing to the Chagos Archipelago to draw attention to the plight of the exiled Chago

By Sean Carey

Sam Bouquet, 34, is the son of Pete Bouquet, the first skipper of the legendary Greepeace ship the Rainbow Warrior. Inspired by the example set by his father, Sam is sailing to the Chagos Archipelago in the Indian Ocean in order to draw attention to the fate of the Chaossians who were exiled from their homeland some 40 years ago by the British authorities to make way for an American military base on Diego Garcia.

Sean Carey spoke to him as he prepared to set off from Turkey on the next leg of his journey.

This article was originally published in the Mauritius Times

Why did you decide to embark upon this voyage to Chagos?

Because yachtsmen and women from all over the world can visit and enjoy the Chagos Islands, but the Chagossians cannot. I’m just an ordinary person simply trying to do something to help these people.

When did you first have the idea?

About five years ago, when I was standing by the beautiful and gentle River Tamar and looking at a Polaris submarine. I wanted to know how and why it was there. I found out that by leasing Diego Garcia to the Americans and removing all the people from the Archipelago my government was able to get a discount on Polaris. I knew that I had to give some practical help to the Chagossians and that going on marches and signing petitions would not be enough for me.

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What do you hope to achieve?

There’s a gradient of expectation. I want to raise worldwide awareness of this issue and appeal to everyone’s sense of injustice. I want to build (or buy) a boat which will allow the Chagossians to re-visit the land of their birth and their ancestors. I’d like to raise cash to find the boat. I’d like to see the islanders resettled.

Your boat, Cindik, is made from recycled materials – what did you use?

It has a steel hull and a new engine. The mast is made from a tree which we cut down on the bank of the Tamar and floated down the river for seven miles. The rig was made from a coil of wire from a surplus store. We found 2 rolls of sailcloth material and made 3 sails in 3 days. All the wood was from recycled products. The windlass and cooker had been thought of as junk by their previous owners but we salvaged them and made them as good as new.

Did you build it yourself?

My wife and I built it with the help of many friends, from its inception in England through until now, in Turkey. Lots of people have been touched by the issue and I have had aid and encouragement throughout the project. Cindık has a beautiful compression post which was carved by my friend Jack Pitcher from re-claimed wood.

Are you sailing on your own or do have any companions?

From England to Turkey my wife, Ayten, sailed with me. From Turkey to the Maldives my friend, Poppy Currie, is sailing with me. After the Maldives we will see who accompanies me – anybody and everybody are welcome along the way

Where did you set sail from?

I set sail from the UK in December, 2006 and I have stopped at many places along the way. I am not at the Marmaris Yacht Marina, Turkey.

Any more stops before you set off for the Chagos Islands?

Yes, I’ll be going through the Suez Canal to the Maldives and will certainly be stopping at other places along the way – this will be dictated by sea conditions.
My progress can be followed on our website, www.peoplesnavy.com

How long will it take to get there?

The journey to the Maldives will take about 2 months. I will be met there by my father, Pete Bouquet, who will have sailed from Thailand in his yacht, Musichana. We’ll then sail to the Archipelago together.

No plans to visit Diego Garcia, I presume?

We would like to visit Diego Garcia, but as the authorities have prevented yachts from stopping over at this important re-positioning point ever since they took control we won’t be able to do so.

What will you do when you are in the Archipelago?

We will be taking photographs and movies and making general observations of the state of the islands and surrounding waters (particularly illegal fishing activities). We will also take note of any obvious neglect by the British Authorities of Chagossian property — the houses and associated infrastructure – and any vandalism or damage which has occurred during the absence of the rightful owners.

When do you expect to arrive in Mauritius?

Around the end of March or early April. When we arrive we’ll meet exiled Chagossians and present our report to them. We’d also like the opportunities to talk to the Mauritian government and present our report to them.

Will you sail back to England once you have finished?

This is impossible to say. We are risking our lives just to get to Mauritius and who knows what will happen when we get there… keep watching the website to find out what happens next!

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