A POOLE woman who moved to the British Virgin Islands to realise her dream of becoming a yacht captain has lost ‘everything but the clothes she was wearing’ following the devastating impact of Hurricane Irma.

Kay Smith, who only moved to Tortola earlier this year, had to take shelter as the storm tore the roof off her one-bedroom flat and reduced the building to rubble.

The 41-year-old’s friends and family faced an agonising 36-hour wait before finding out she had been reported as safe on social media.

They are now desperately trying to raise funds to help her get back home to the UK and rebuild her life.

Her friend and former housemate, Jennifer Smith, has set up a fundraising page. “She has lost not only her home, clothes and possessions but also her livelihood,” she said.

“When Hurricane Irma hit, friends and family were glued to Kay’s Facebook page. I don’t think anyone had any idea how devastating it would be. Finally Kay was able to make contact with her mum Liz.

“Unfortunately Kay’s apartment had been destroyed and they had taken shelter in the ruins with nothing but the clothes they were wearing.”

Kay left her job in financial services to start a new career working on charter yachts. She made the BVI her home after gaining her sailing qualifications.

Her friend and former colleague Tom Price spent a month with her in Tortola in 2014.

“To see the island devastated is awful, it’s really upsetting. Our main concern was for Kay’s safety, though. She’s a popular lass and a loyal friend.

“She’s starting from scratch now. She doesn’t even have any spare clothes. Her local bank was destroyed and looted after the storm.

“She’s hoping to get a flight off the island to Antigua and then home to the UK, but it could cost her and 13 others $43,000 (£32,500) when the flight is normally $200 (£151) a head.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation to Kay’s fund should visit gofundme.com/kays-hurrican-irma-jose-fund

Irma has torn a destructive trail through several British territories, with the BVI bearing the brunt of the damage. Houses have been reduced to their foundations and many roads made impassable in the wake of the historic storm.

The death toll from Irma has risen to nearly 30, with at least five people believed to have died on the BVI, it is reported.

The Ministry of Defence said there are just under 500 troops currently in the region, made up of marines, engineers, medics and specialists, including Army and RAF personnel.

Army soldiers have deployed from RFA Mounts Bay to the BVI, while an A400 flight brought a further 50 marines.

British troops and police have also been deployed to restore law and order after reports of looting, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has said.