Parents of El Faro victim deliver donated supplies to Puerto Rico hurricane victims

Deb and Robin Roberts, whose son Michael Holland perished when the cargo ship El Faro sank during a hurricane in 2015, delivered more than 30,000 pounds of food, water and personal hygiene supplies to hurricane victims in Puerto Rico.

The Roberts, who live in Wilton, Maine, collected the relief supplies during a drive last November at the Scarborough Walmart and delivered the goods over a three-day period in December.

Michael Holland, 25

Tote Maritime Puerto Rico, which owned and operated the El Faro, helped the couple transport the supplies to Puerto Rico, which was devastated last year by Hurricane Maria.

“It was truly a rewarding experience to be able to help the people of Puerto Rico in memory of our son, Michael,” the Roberts said in a statement issued Thursday.

“Despite being without power for over three months, they were all smiling and even broke out in song and dance while they awaited the arrival of the delivery truck,” the Roberts said. “The people of Puerto Rico truly love their island just like Michael did.”

Holland was one of 33 crew members, four from Maine, who died when the El Faro sank during Hurricane Joaquin in October 2015.

The others from Maine were Captain Michael Davidson of Windham, who was 53; Michael Holland, 25, of Wilton; and Danielle Randolph, 34, and Dylan Meklin, 23, both of Rockland.

Deb and Robin Roberts, whose son Michael Holland died when the freighter sank in 2015, delivered more than 30,000 pounds of supplies in December.
Parents of El Faro victim deliver donated supplies to Puerto Rico hurricane victims