South Florida

Family of 13 From Bahamas Stranded in South Florida During Hurricane Dorian

Patricia Collie and her family have been cramped up in an apartment in Liberty City for more than a week after they were stranded by Dorian

A family of 13 from the Bahamas who was in South Florida on vacation when Hurricane Dorian hit their homeland is now stranded, and not sure they'll have a home to go back to.

Patricia Collie and her family have been cramped up in an apartment in Liberty City for more than a week. The Bahamian family is from Freeport and were on vacation when Dorian put a major wrench in their plans.

"We got stranded as of last week Friday and there was no possible way for us to get back home so we're here," Collie told NBC 6 Wednesday. "It's 13 of us and we are here with some family members. They was nice enough to lend us their place, because there was no possible way we could get another van or hotel room. We're stranded without any funds whatsoever and we're trying to make the best out of it."

The family has been reconnecting with cousins in South Florida through What's App, but now they're anxious to hear what is happening after seeing the images of destruction in their homeland.

"According to the pictures we saw, it's mass devastation. I don't even know if I have a home to go home to at this point," Collie said. "We still haven't heard from quite a few friends and family and still wondering how they are doing and if they're still alive."

The 13 family members have been spread out among air mattresses, couches and bunk beds. They said it's been a logistical nightmare to get back home, and though they hope to get out on a cruise Sunday, they're not sure what they're going back to.

"My love for my country is very deep. I must say we are a blessed nation. At this point in time, I've learned to take nothing, nothing, nothing at all for granted. I am grateful I have my life to start over because quite a few lost theirs," Collie said.

Contact Us