When disaster strikes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the chaos – but if you look closely, you’ll always find the helpers. In the face of Cyclone Chido’s devastation, a young South African, Conor Diesel, and a community of strangers in Mayotte proved that compassion can weather any storm.
Mayotte (29 December 2024) – In the middle of tragedy, there’s a timeless truth: in every disaster, whenever there is a storm, there are people who rise to the occasion, ready to help. Their actions remind us that even in the darkest moments, kindness shines through.
Conor Diesel, a young South African whose experience during Cyclone Chido on the island of Mayotte, not only revealed his resilience but also the extraordinary kindness of strangers.
Conor is no stranger to the sea. At just 20 years old, he’s already making a name for himself as a sailor, delivering boats to far-off destinations. In late 2024, Conor was tasked with delivering a boat to the Seychelles. When unforeseen circumstances forced his crew to pause their journey in Mayotte, Conor volunteered to stay behind to care for the vessel until they could resume the trip. Little did he know, his decision would lead him into the heart of a natural disaster.
Cyclone Chido was a catastrophic storm that tore through Mayotte, leaving destruction in its wake. The small French territory braced itself as news of the cyclone’s increasing severity turned preparations into a race against time. Conor, alongside his new friends from the Mayotte Yacht Club, worked tirelessly to secure his boat and assist others in safeguarding their vessels.
As the island shifted to red alert, Conor found an unexpected sanctuary with a local woman he affectionately calls his “Mayotte Mom,” Caroline. She invited him to shelter with her family and friends, promising his parents that she would care for him as if he were her own.
“For my husband and me, knowing that Conor was in Caroline’s care gave us so much comfort,” says Pamela Diesel, Conor’s real mom.
“We were still terrified, but just hearing her say, ‘I’ll look after him like my own son,’ gave us a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.”
The night Cyclone Chido struck was one of unimaginable fear. Conor and Caroline’s family huddled behind mattresses, hoping the roof would hold.
Outside, the ocean roared like it was at their doorstep, and the cries of frightened neighbours filled the air.
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At 5 a.m., the cyclone made landfall, and Conor’s final message to his parents for the next 24 hours captured the chaos: “It is very noisy, the ocean sounds like it is at the door, and people are crying.”
Pamela recounts the harrowing hours of silence that followed: “We had no idea if Conor was okay. We didn’t know if the house he was in would hold, or if he’d be swept away like so many others. It was the most agonising day of our lives. When we finally got the message that he was safe, I just sat and cried—tears of relief, tears of gratitude.”
The storm left devastation in its wake. Of the 65 boats in the yacht club, only three survived – Conor’s among them.
“I don’t know how his boat made it through,” says Pamela. “Maybe it was his meticulous work to secure it, or maybe it was sheer luck. Either way, we’re just so grateful.”
In the aftermath of the cyclone, Conor’s true character emerged. Despite the challenges, he threw himself into helping others. He assisted locals in salvaging their belongings, clearing debris from homes, and supporting the yacht club by sharing fuel to keep the generator running. With no electricity or running water, Conor collected rainwater for basic needs and rationed his supplies to ensure he could continue to help others.
Pamela reflects on his resilience: “Conor could have focused on his own survival, but instead, he chose to help those around him. That’s just who he is—always willing to lend a hand, no matter the circumstances.”
Communication was scarce, with Conor occasionally finding signal atop his boat to reassure his parents he was okay.
Yet even in all the destruction, he was struck by the kindness of the Mayotte community. Strangers shared what little they had, embodying a spirit of unity and resilience.
“He told me, ‘Mom, these people have nothing, yet they’re still sharing what they have with me. It’s humbling.’ Hearing that broke my heart and filled it with pride at the same time,” says Pamela.
Pamela reflects on her son’s ordeal with a heart full of gratitude.
“Despite the horror caused by Chido, Conor says people were still willing to help him and share what they have. He was blown away by their kindness. My husband and I are so grateful for these people who took my son under their wings and accepted him as their own in a time when he needed them the most.”
She adds, “We’ve watched videos and seen photos of the destruction, and it’s heartbreaking. But what stands out to us is the kindness and humanity that shone through. Conor has been through so much, but he’s come out of this with a renewed appreciation for life and for the goodness in people.”
Conor’s parents eagerly await his return, filled with gratitude for the kindness that embraced their son in his time of need. For Conor, the experience has been life-changing, one that shows us all the remarkable strength of human compassion and the goodness that shines through in the darkest times.
“I just want to say thank you,” Pamela concludes.
“Thank you to everyone who looked out for our son. We hope one day to meet them in person and repay them. But for now, we just hold onto the lesson Conor learned: even in the worst situations, kindness always finds a way.”
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