CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Ð JULY 18: A view of Richard Branson (English business magnate) during the Nelson Mandela Day celebration at Grand Parade on July 18, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. An estimated 1000 people were expected to walk from the Grand Parade, where crowds gathered to listen to Nelson Mandela’s iconic Freedom speech delivered from a balcony at City Hall in 1990 after his release from prison, to the Cape Town International Convention Centre to celebrate Mandela Day. (Photo by Gallo Images/Grant Pitcher).
Richard Branson survives Hurricane Irma after hiding in his island’s wine cellar
Virgin founder Richard Branson made a lucky escape from Hurricane Irma after hiding in his island’s wine cellar. We have the details.
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA Ð JULY 18: A view of Richard Branson (English business magnate) during the Nelson Mandela Day celebration at Grand Parade on July 18, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa. An estimated 1000 people were expected to walk from the Grand Parade, where crowds gathered to listen to Nelson Mandela’s iconic Freedom speech delivered from a balcony at City Hall in 1990 after his release from prison, to the Cape Town International Convention Centre to celebrate Mandela Day. (Photo by Gallo Images/Grant Pitcher).
Virgin founder and billionaire Richard Branson has been lucky enough to escape a battering from Hurricane Irma unharmed. Branson and his staff were forced to take shelter in a concrete wine cellar on his private island in the Caribbean.
Hurricane Irma is so intense that it has even registered on equipment used to measure earthquakes. Irma has so far torn through the Caribbean and is heading towards the US state of Florida, causing mass panic and preparations from government officials.
The Branson island, Necker, did not manage to escape the hurricane’s fury though, Sam Branson (Richard’s son) posted the following update on Instagram.
“Glad to say that all humans on Necker are ok although a lot of buildings destroyed. Very concerned for our friends and everyone on the neighbouring islands and people in its path. Please don’t take this hurricane lightly if it is heading your way.”
Richard Branson also made a blog post before the hurricane hit, detailing the steps that had taken to make the island as safe as possible.
“On Necker Island we have constructed really strong buildings (with hurricane blinds) that should be able to handle extreme weather pretty well‚ though with a Category 5 hurricane almost nothing can withstand it‚”
Several guests chose to leave the island but the Virgin Active founder decided to stay.
“I will be on Necker alongside our team‚ as I have been on the island,three times we have had hurricanes over the past 30 years‚”
“We are expecting to get the full force of the hurricane in around five hours’ time‚ when we will retreat to a concrete wine cellar under the Great House. Knowing our wonderful team as I do‚ I suspect there will be little wine left in the cellar when we all emerge.”
Branson even took to twitter to post a picture showing the sleeping arrangements for him and his family. Let’s hope everyone else can remain as safe as the Bransons did.
I haven't had a sleepover quite like this since I was a kid. Wonderful team here on Necker all well https://t.co/tF84SPx7aB #Irma pic.twitter.com/DnnfUaeXhd
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) September 6, 2017
