North Derbyshire couple spent lockdown 'trapped' on tropical island paradise
In years to come Bolsover couple Vicky Langford and Michael Burbeary will have a tale to tell when asked how they spent the Covid-19 lockdown.
The pair jetted out to the South Pacific island chain of Vanuatu in March but became stuck when the tiny nation was one of the first in the world to close its borders.
Vicky and Michael, who formerly lived in Bolsover, are both diving instructors and have previously worked in Jordan, Malta, UAE, and Philippines.
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They decided to venture even further afield and took jobs with the Tranquility Island Resort on Vanuatu – a string of more than 80 islands once known as the New Hebrides and which achieved independence from France and Britain in 1980.
The islands are famous for scuba diving alongside coral reefs and underwater caverns.
Vicky admits it has been an ‘interesting’ seven months.
“Within six days of being here the world went crazy and Vanuatu very quickly closed its borders, but this meant the loss of jobs due to tourism bringing in a high amount of revenue.
"Then a few weeks later on April 5 we had to brace ourselves and the resort for Hurricane Harrod, a CAT 5 tropical cyclone which caused major damage to the country, which was put into a state of emergency.”
Alongside diving lessons, the couple also run a turtle sanctuary with almost 200 Hawksbill Turtles.
Much of Vanuatu remains tribally run, and Vicky says they ‘have a great working and personal relationship’ with Chief of Tassirki on Moso Island where the resort is based.
"This role was already going to be our most challenging with working with Ni Van people and getting used to the cultural differences.
"In fact the people here are amazing, happy, welcoming and just get on with life.
“What is also amazing is we are still Covid-free and they police this so well, with the health system being so very poor here, it would wipe out villages if the virus was to get in.
“Diving here is truly amazing with whales, manta, rays, and dolphins. Living here is not so bad, blue water, sandy beaches, coves and beaches to yourself.
"We are lucky to be here and to have been made so welcome.”
To sponsor a turtle and for more information, visit the resort website.