By Nicole June

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Clarksville residents Bill and Kelly Kellett are now fighting through a major disaster after their vacation turned into a nightmare on the Caribbean island of St. Martin.

After arriving on the island for their getaway, the Kelletts learned about the hurricane and braced for the impending storm. The Category 5 hurricane left catastrophic damage in its wake on the island and many buildings were destroyed. Bill and Kelly took refuge in their hotel and thankfully were uninjured.

However, close family friend Tiffany Moranski says the couple’s worries are not over. The storm damaged most of the island’s infrastructure and there is currently no way for the Kelletts to return home.

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“It’s just a bad situation over there,” Moranski said. She said she considers Kelly her second mother and is concerned about her ‘mama bear and papa bear’ as they fight to stay healthy and safe.

She and the couple’s daughter are struggling to find options for Bill and Kelly, but planes are unable to land on St. Martin and the situation is taking a turn for the worse. Moranski said the Kelletts are able to contact their family by phone and are currently suffering from what they believe to be water-borne illness. They have no way to access medical treatment and food and clean water are scarce.

Moranski said looters are also a major concern for the couple. They have been taking turns standing guard at the door of their hotel room to protect themselves from potential thieves.

Moranski and the couple’s daughter have contacted representatives at the Red Cross, as well as other agencies, but so far have not been given any answers. They aren’t sure when the Kelletts will be able to return home, let alone when they will receive medical care.

“I understand that there are a lot of people over there and a lot of people that need help, and they’re doing what they can, but this is my family,” Moranski said. “We need to get them some help.”

Moranski said she will contact ClarksvilleNow.com to provide an update on the Kellett’s situation.