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reverse123		08-Jan-2010 18:12
Very Nice Photos

makatbi		30-Jul-2008 14:32
I need more photo http://www.makatbi.com

makatbi		30-Jul-2008 14:31
I want to thank all of your team. You are great!

Guest		26-Feb-2008 12:31
Hey Hellmut! This is Bart from Singapore. Havent seen you for ages! Hope you are doing well and it would be great to catch up again. Do get in touch! My e-mail: bart.koolhaas@gmail.com; thanks!

Guest		03-Feb-2006 07:43
excellent photos!! Liked the colors and composition, everything! what i see now, is really FANTASTIC best regards, ORXAN (ORKHAN)

Guest		27-Apr-2005 01:04
Mr. Issels, My name is Katie Nishimura and I am a layout designer for The Journal of the Harvard Hippocratic Society. The Hippocratic Society is a small, student-run organization and our journal is distributed to the undergraduate body free of charge. For our spring issue, we are covering medicine and healthcare in the wake of the tsunami that struck South East Asia in December. We would like to use some of your photos in our journal. Please let me know if we have your permission to print your photos by sending an email by my gmail account at knishimura@gmail.com. Thank you, Katie Nishimura, Design Chair Board Member Harvard Hippocratic Society

Guest		13-Apr-2005 01:16
Dear Sir, We are an educational publisher based in Singapore and would like to use some of your photographs for our publication, a secondary school Geography textbook. We ensure full acknowledgement of the source and agree to abide by your conditions. Pls contact me at joeytay@snpcorp.com Thanks and Regards, Joey Tay Editorial Assistant SNP PanPac Pte Ltd

Mugu		26-Jan-2005 11:35
great site.. keep it up...

John Scott		21-Jan-2005 17:19
I hope it's ok to have used your picture on our website for our appeal to help victims. It's athttp://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk John

Guest		20-Jan-2005 16:54
Mr. Issels, I work with an organization called Teen Mania Ministries and a production company within the ministry. I stumbled upon your website and noticed the tsunami pictures you have. We are putting together stories for our television show centered around the disaster that happened. Are you willing to sell any amount of your pictures? Please contact me at amanda.zachmeier@teenmania.org. thanks! Amanda

Mary		20-Jan-2005 07:43
I wish to thank you for your bravery and quick thinking to stand on your balcony and snap these photographs. Wow, funny they are not all blurrey from your knees and hands shaking. Hope all is well with you and yours!

Christine Liew		20-Jan-2005 02:16
Hi Mr Issels, I work for an online news site. Would it be possible for me to use VA7U0484.JPG in one of our stories? Please get back to me soon! Regards, Chris

Amanda		20-Jan-2005 01:02
I still can't comprehend what that must all be like....here all I have to worry about is the occasional tornato or lightning strikes....eeepppp I can't swim! Good luck with everything ya'll in my prayers.

Pamela		19-Jan-2005 23:58
I think that what happened was horrible...I cant even imagine that happening here in my country...i feel bad that I cant do anything to help those people...I think that the only thing I can do is pray...so the people that are alive..can continue whit their lives... I know that is going to be hard...but thats life..its about moving one.. I hope that those people are safe... Im sorry about everything that happened...I send a lot of prays...It sucks..Bye...

Stefan Eisenberg		19-Jan-2005 13:30
Dear Mr. Issels, I would like to use some of your pictures for a german educational CD-Rom about climate protection. It is a teaching aid and will be distrbuted on schools for free. Please could you contact me if you get this message? co2@stefan-eisenberg.de Best Regards, Stefan Eisenberg

Randy Bird		19-Jan-2005 00:32
It would be nice to now if all this money will get to the real victims the people .With the amount of money pooring in they will be able to have a better infrastructure Hospitals,Hydro for all garbbage pick-up all the things we take for granite but most of all, the children , they will need the most who will look after them? what will become of them ? How can we help to make sure these needs are taken care of??

RD		18-Jan-2005 09:21
I'd like to ask permission to use a few of your photos. Please could you contact me if you get this message? Thanks rhdeurope@yahoo.com

Nicholas		17-Jan-2005 06:06
Hi Hellmut, I has been looking for pictures to see. Now I found it. You are done very good jobs of these pictures. Those spreading out to the world to see how suffer they are now. Thanks

NANA		14-Jan-2005 17:24
IT WAS A BIG DISASTER...........

marga		14-Jan-2005 07:28
exelentes fotos! realmente creo que no tengo conciencia de la tragedia que les toca vivir, estoy muy lejos, en buenos aires argentina, y estas fotos me hicieron ver la fuerza destructiva del tsunami. rezo por el alma de las víctimas, de los sobrevivientes, y por paz en el mundo.

linda		13-Jan-2005 08:34
Here in Belgium I think we cannot imagine well what has happened there. We try but we can't ... It had to be terrible for the local people who live in their little houses made of wood, it had to be terrible for all the mama's who lost their little child or found it dead afterwards... And people who couldn't find their loved ones anymore, although they were sitting next to them a minute ago ... Is there anyone over there who didn't lose a parent, a child, a friend ? I don't think so ...

Sharon Allison		13-Jan-2005 01:21
My cousin is a staff member at this hotel and was on the beach with 2 children as the wave hit. She outran this wave and saved the 2 children as well. These amazing pictures show me how lucky we are to still have her and her husband also survived - he was on the beach at a neighbouring hotel. Thank you for your journalism - a picture tells a thousand words. Thank you also for the link to show us that the man pictured was also ok. These pictures help my family understand exactly what she went through so we can provide support for her now and in the future. Keep up the great work.

Guest		12-Jan-2005 05:58
help victims in phuket ...thanks to all maras b. bangkok bank account: 625-0-00488-1 branch: tesco lotus, chaweng,samui,thailand

anita		11-Jan-2005 04:36
This really shows how powerful that ocean water is. We never know the day or hour that we will leave this world, but for the victims of the tsunami, it was such an unfair exit from this world. My prayers and thoughts to all of the victims and survivors of this disastrous catastrophe. Let love pour out to all of those who need it the most at this time. Your pictures really tell the story piece by piece. Good luck with your future, and hopefully, time will heal. Anita

Denise		11-Jan-2005 00:28
I want to say thank you for being brave enough to take these pictures. I am glad that the young man in the pictures is okay. I have been praying for the people who have died and who are suffering because of this. Makes you think how fast things can happen. Please if you haven't today, hug your family or call them and let them know you love them. May God Bless You All, Dee

Ingocha Meetei		10-Jan-2005 14:29
Dear, you have nice Idea to collect the nice things which is very serious worried by the people at present.Wonderful collection as you have good site. with regards ingocha meetei University of Delhi India

Jodie		10-Jan-2005 13:51
Hello Hellmut--I was staying at the Sheraton in the oceanside room on the 3rd floor with my husband and 2 year old daughter. I am so grateful that we were able to run from our room to the lobby and give you alot of credit for sticking around and photographing the disaster. Would it be possible for me to print copies of the photos or to buy them somehow? Hope you made it home safely. Thanks, Jodie

jen		10-Jan-2005 04:31
Hi Hellmut, (i hope i got the right person, apologise if this is not) this is very random but I am a daughter of one of your friends in Singapore, Larry and Betty Lee. My father has been talking about you and has been very worried about you eversince you left for your vacation. I randomly came upon this site as I was searching for pictures and realized who's site it was. Please call them in Singapore as they would love to hear from you. +65 9799 5173. Amazing pics and thank god you're safe! -Jennifer Lee

Guest		10-Jan-2005 01:38
Incredible pictures... excellent photo documentation of the events as they unfolded.

Dez		09-Jan-2005 15:43
hi hellmut i am writing in amazment to the posts that are on your site, i am amazed by the pictures that were taken i beleave that they are some of the most beautiful i have ever seen. i am amzed by the fact that those peopl that have commented on your site about american haters as i think that this has absoulutley nothing to do with americans AT ALL as an australian myself and a major contributer to the relief funds i am astonished at the fact that there are still people thinking of only themselves in such a trajic moment in history. i would love to here your personal opinion on the subject if you could get back to me. Anyway as i am not a relgious person i do not pray but i do indeed hope with all of my heart that all will work out and that time will heal the wounds of the boy and the heart. thank-you. DEZ

Michael		09-Jan-2005 14:57
I have traveled through out the far east and looking at these pictures this morning made my hair stand up after viewing the pictures I moved on to the forum and found myself thinking “this is truly a sad day for all mankind” ~M

DR MUGU		09-Jan-2005 04:51
I AM VERY SORRY ONCE AGAIN TO ALL VICTIMS OF THE DISASTER. MY GOD ACCEPT THE SOUL OF THE DEATH. I DON PASS HERE... PLZ LOOK FOR OTHER PLACE.

Angilee Shah		08-Jan-2005 22:32
Der Hellmut, I am also interested in reprint information. Please email. Best, Angilee

Paul Sullivan		08-Jan-2005 00:42
Hi I'd be interested in permission to use your images for an article in an Australian logistics magazine. please contact me asap. paul

Michelle Humphreys		07-Jan-2005 13:40
Hi I was a guest at this hotel during the tsunami, seeing your incredible pictures makes me thankful to be alive! Fortunately we had not gone down to the beach and were having breakfast when the first wave struck, but the pictures of the approaching wave send a shiver down my spine, for myselfr and my family & friends who so narrowly avoided this disaster! Others were not so lucky, and we must remember them now! This is a life changing experience for all of us! Did the man in the water survive ?

Kathleen Pearce		07-Jan-2005 11:46
Wow. So far these are some of the most graphic pictures of the event as it happens. Was there a previous or first Tsunami wave before that one?

Karen		07-Jan-2005 03:26
Helmut-Will share your photos (via internet and large screen tv) for lesson in my classroom to show students how tsunami advanced rapidly and then the destruction thereafter. Your quick thinking and readiness provide an exceptional glimpse of the life of the tsunami. Documenting sadness and devastation is just as important as recording winning football games,,weddings, etc. and these provide learning experiences for all! I am a two time tourist to Thailand with Phuket and Phi Phi Island being some of my favorite destinations.

Amanda		07-Jan-2005 03:21
perhaps this is strange but it is all so surreal. you talk about it a couple times through out the day, then go home, see a 7 minute news report on how the relief is going and thats it while there are thousands dead and dying, suffering just on the other side of the world. It's just so surreal.

Dee		07-Jan-2005 00:22
Hellmut: I hope you are well, and don't suffer any long-lasting effects of being there and going through this terrible tragedy. The pictures are great, of a terrible situation. As someone once said: Someone has to shoot the picture. Thank you for doing so. I had looked at the "hit" count on these pictures, and it was almost up to 12 million. Keep taking the pictures.

Christy		06-Jan-2005 22:15
How scary it must have been to see such a thing. I can't even imagine. Makes you want to do more than just send money. Never in my lifetime have I seen such destruction. I hope I never will again.

Ben Hoeven		06-Jan-2005 11:48
Thanks for the pictures. These give a good impression of the present situation 1

Simon Ker		06-Jan-2005 01:19
Hi We are keen in those great photos you took in Phuket. Can you contact us ? Best Regards, Simon Ker The New Paper Singapore Email: npphoto@sph.com.sg Tel: 65-63194080

Hasan Aliyev		05-Jan-2005 12:45
I want to thank all of your team. You are great! Hasan Aliyev http://love.azeri.net .

peter pan		05-Jan-2005 09:30
a good site i have been trying to locate this good site but now i got it and stay cool guys .

maimani		05-Jan-2005 05:57
Hi, Last time i been to puket was in 1994 with my family and 8 months old Boy, i enjoyed the place and friendly people, Hearing the Tsunami BOMB, it eminds me with my holidays and pipi island, the tours , I cannot beleive the beautiful place damaged by the BOMB ,we all pray for the people involved with this tragedy and God to halp them Maimani.

shirley		05-Jan-2005 02:52
I too am a photograper and want to tell you that what you have done with these pix under the conditions that you were in are just awesome. you must have nightmares

Sam		04-Jan-2005 16:30
Hullo. I'm from Singapore and had returned from Phuket just 3 weeks b4 the tsunami struck. The local news introduced this website and I knew from there that this was taken from Sheraton? Would like to inquire about the fates of some wodnerful Thai people I known doing service by the beach. There were a handful of women doing massages and briading of hair, a man who ran a shop with 3 other women selling beach stuff like swimsuits, henna, slippers, sun tan lotions, floats, and the man also acts as a travel agent for travels to PhiPhi and other islands. Thanks alot is there's any news on them.

SE Texas, USA		04-Jan-2005 11:09
Hellmut, Thank you.

Susan		04-Jan-2005 09:44
Helmut - I hope you are reading this 'cuz you have been hacked again - Phuket tsunami gallery is now sporting a girlie shot of what's her name from Third Watch purportedly taken by you. Thought you ought to know. Susan from Sydney

Stu		03-Jan-2005 17:04
WARNINGWARNINGWARNING * WARNING * Directly after posting the first message on this site, I received several porno and virus hits on my firewall. Be warned... do not go to AndrewScottHarris.com, either. Danger of virus and porno hits.

Stu		03-Jan-2005 09:25
Hellmut, where are you? Are you safe?

Lois		03-Jan-2005 09:21
Please pray for all affected by this tragedy. God Bless all the aid workers and survivors who are looking past their grief and mobilizing. The world will never be the same again. Too many souls lost. Lives unfinished. Love your friends and family. None of us is promised anoher day.

Jim Edens		03-Jan-2005 07:53
Dear Helmut, Great shots. Asia-Pacific Harrier Magazine, published in Bangkok and distributed to runners and Hash House Harriers internationally, is running an appeal to runners and Hash House Harriers from around the world to do what they can to contribute to the victims of the tsunami in Phuket. Your photos would help this effort. Please contact me at: publisher@asiapacificharrier.com or telephone 09 892 4308 (mobile). URL:http://www.asiapacificharrier.com On-On

Blink		03-Jan-2005 06:49
Dearest Mr. Issels: Hi,i am an editor from a hongkong aquarium magazine . We want to ask some help from you,cause we want to borrow the photo from your. you can contact us at the following blink@aqua-zone.com.hk Best regards Blink

DR MUGU		03-Jan-2005 05:12
I AM VERY SORRY TO ALL VICTIMS OF THE DISASTER. MY GOD ACCEPT THE SOUL OF THE DEATH. I DON PASS HERE... PLZ LOOK FOR OTHER PLACE.

Susan in Australia		03-Jan-2005 01:12
Yesterday afternoon, Australian time, I arrived at Hellmut's site via a link from CNN Asia. At the bottom of the pagehttp://www.pbase.com/issels/image/37884488 (man being swept away) there was a very disturbing photo. It depicted a scene taken from the sea looking back towards the beach with the sea and beach filled with flotsam and jetsam - and many corpses. There was no discretionary warning. I am not complaining about that. No, in fact I think people need to see these images to realise the true horror of what has occurred. And how those of us in the First World owe our help to those in the Third. The photo is no longer there. But I would like to know the whereabouts of a copy - if only to remind me in times I find difficult that "there, but for the grace of God, go I". Susan, Sydney Australia

JS BASCHET		03-Jan-2005 00:38
Hello, we are a french press agency. We are interest to buy or syndicate your pictures for a french or worlwide representation. you can contact us at the following number : (33) 1 45 00 59 19 www.omedias.com Best Regard, JS Baschet

diana		02-Jan-2005 23:57
please contact me! I would like to talk with you. contact me just when you have some time, ´case I imagine now it´s little impossible to cantact all people who are asking you to contact them. I´m happy that you´re safe!

Lorraine		02-Jan-2005 22:48
Dear Helmut Sitting warm and comfortable here in Glasgow with my family safe around me, your awesome photos make me realise (just a little) what absolute sheer terror the victims must have felt and experienced - and the awful memories that survivors' will have for the rest of their lives.

monique		02-Jan-2005 17:18
HOLA,MI NOMBRE ES MONIQUE, YO VIVO EN BRAZIL Y ME GUSTARIA HABER SI USTED TIENE EL MOMENTO EN QUE EL TISUNAMI LLHEGÓ EN LA PLAYA.. SUS PELICULAS SON BELLISSIMAS..GRACIAS POR LA ATENCIÓN MONIQUE

Gordon J Sheppard		02-Jan-2005 14:06
Helmut Issels your work is indeed wonderful. The images so clear and dramatic. I thank you for the privilege of seeing them. And making them available to all. I am adding this site to my favorites and will certainly visit again. Best wishes. HAPPY NEW YEAR Gordon J Sheppard (Retired, South East London)

Dave		02-Jan-2005 11:11
Hellmut, excellent pictures of a sad disaster. I'm curious to know about the people laying out in the sun by the building in your "Phuket after the Tsunami" collection. Have a vision not clouded by fear. The wise speak when they have something to say, the fools speak when they have to say something.

help victims		02-Jan-2005 10:46
Dear viewers may i use this opportunity to let you know that there are still thousand and one victims suffring for the disaster which the world and the united nation aids are not getting to, even no body hears about them no news about them they are still about in grieve.may i use this medium to solicicite for any type of help cash or in kind. a group of save the soul volutiers are on field for this our brothers and sisters please if it touches your soul contact us at helpvictm_tsunami@yahoo.com. this is nonprofit making voluntiers here in mumbai india contact the crusade mobilizer.thanks for your understanding no amount is too small,may god be with all your endevours and bless you.amen.

Mario Lopes		01-Jan-2005 22:07
Hello I'm the editor of a newspaper in Portugal www.tintafresca.net I would like to know how may I publish one of your interesting photos. Thank you. Mario Lopes Portugal

Guest		01-Jan-2005 13:16
What hotel were these taken from ?

Paulo Kujawski		01-Jan-2005 13:06
What can we learn by this event? 1-The world can get along and help without political motivation or interest. We are seeing great examples of peoples helping people and nations helping nations. 2-We need to be more proactive in using the available technology to prevent loosing so many lives by lack of warning. Foremost, we need to be gratfull we live in countries that have the wealth to share with others in case of a need and people that are willing to go and do instead of sit and complain. My heart felt simpathy goes to the widows,mothers, sons, daughters, orphans and the people displaced by such an horrible nature event. God Bless them.

mike		01-Jan-2005 08:21
too much suffering. too many comments. what these suffering people need is action from everyone to help them out of the misery they are currently eduring. act now, stop the talk, stop the finger pointing.

Guest		01-Jan-2005 01:23
Good morning ( mourning..) I hope that your pictures will teach everybody in the whole wide world what it is about to live in a tectonically active neighbourhood (Krakatau caused TEN deadly tsunamis in 1883, already forgotten ??!!) , how to react in case of a submarine earthquake with its natural bad companion called tsunami....who first pulls back the water at beaches , ALERT!! - but after throws it against land and people ....I also hope that people will became aware of the worth of their beautiful earthy companions , the animals , who seem to feel many dangers before their human brothers even could think about danger...I read about a snake who brought a few people to a secure ground! Let us pray for all .... and help as effectively and quick as possible. Leaders, please invest into TSUNAMI ALERT SYSTEMS ALL AROUND THAT AREA!!

agree with u get real		31-Dec-2004 23:46
I think you are so right 'get real'. The nation is full of muslems, why don't they aask Bin Ladein for help.

get real		31-Dec-2004 23:26
i was sickened to hear one of those asians aks where were the americans, everyone m,oans about the yanks, then wantrs them when there is a crisis. They have given too much money to this crisis, should drop a bomb and put them out of misery.

KC Price		31-Dec-2004 21:48
Dear Mr. Issels: We have noted that you have not posted an entry on this site for several days: we hope you are safe. Please, If you could be so kind as to email me or to text me with your number we would be appreciative. We would like to have a converstion with you regarding your photographs and your representation. Best, KC Price 001 347 204 8999

KC		31-Dec-2004 21:44
Dearest Mr. Issels: We have noted that you have not posted an entry in your guestbook or in your comment blog pages this week and are quite concerned about your safety. We would like very much to have a conversation with you about your photographs. Please text us at 001 347 204 8999 and we will call you directly.

Liv		31-Dec-2004 20:56
For all those who don't care. How can you wish death on another person? Have you no heart? Put yourself in their shoes. What do you see? What do you feel? How now, will you go about life? By the help of complete strangers. How would you react if you were in their situation, and no one cared? As you drown, the person you stretch your hand out to for help just stares at you, as if to say, "You are just a person. One life among so many others. Die, I will not help you." You my friend, would not make it. The absolute lack of love people have towards each other would be your death. Your attitude of 'I don't care' shows in great detail, this lack of love. You are human. You are just like everyone else. The poorest of people have more value to the world than people who are as selfish as you. Shame be upon those who do not care to help their fellow man.

Brenda		31-Dec-2004 19:42
I´m from mexico and i have to say that all the people here are teribly sorry about this disaster. I dont think god had something to do with this, because it simply does not exist, but good people do, so instead of bein blaming MTV or Britney Spears we could find a way to help each other.

Mrs.O.		31-Dec-2004 19:09
Thank you very much for these pictures, very documentary. All that crapp about religion I would delete in your guestbook. Fact remains, those nature forces are so tremendous - man cannot grasp it at all. And worse: Earth is in Aquarian era, and this is know to become a terribly time with catastrophies, forces and - towards the end of this era - high intelligence. So, why to blame a god or three gods etc? Just erase the flame mails, they have nothing to do with the fact that we should be thankful to see these pictures and witness of nature forces. All I still would like to know is, why people have not been warned after the first earthquake!

Bert		31-Dec-2004 18:47
God bless you for these informative photos. Glory to the Kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven!

Andy		31-Dec-2004 17:03
Wow...To say the least anyway. We here in NY Live by the sea as well and are overwehelmed by the sheer power and energy of these Tsunami waves. The scary thing to us is it could happen here too at any time. Our hearts go out to the suffering victims and hope they can overcome this disaster soon. PS..There is no God so please stop with that delusional nonsense. These people are some of the worlds most religious, and I highly doubt a God would allow such a catastrophy to be cast doen on it's children.

ellie		31-Dec-2004 16:28
Please,give up these religious quarrels. Give up these battles of egos. The question is certainly not who created this world or who will give us the strength to go on. The question is, what now? And the answer is: several billion human beings are still alive and most of them have the means to help. I'll be one of these. I hope you will be too.

delmir		31-Dec-2004 15:48
Sou brasileiro.. brasil.. Paz no Mundo. deus sara esta nação.. deus é fiel

Tom Coles		31-Dec-2004 06:24
These photos are a depiction of reality. We wish we could change the reality, we can't. So some of us get mad at the images and at the photographer who produced them. EASE UP on him, these images and others like them will inspire people around the world to pitch in and help. This disaster is just beginning, there are five million people without food and shelter(12/30/04). To those who berate Hellmut for not doing anything, I challenge you to find the best ways (WAYS multiple) you can to help.

Ressa		31-Dec-2004 05:40
I dont understand how you could take pictures and not help anyone? Wasn't that a man's arm sticking out of rubble in one "aftershock" picture you took, or what happened to the man swimming under the balcony? ...I just dont understand.

Gleison		31-Dec-2004 03:35
Nao acho que isso tenha alguma coisa a ver com Religiao ou coisa parecida...acredito sim que nós, humanos, estamos destruindo nosso Planeta Terra e isto que aconteceu pode ser uma consequencia de nossa teimosia, e pode ter certeza, muita coisa de ruim ainda está para acontecer. Sinto pelas pessoas inocentes que morreram, é uma coisa inesplicável o fato.

Human		30-Dec-2004 23:02
My heart is filled with so much pain and compassion for these victims, living and dead. This is just horrible. If 'God' is on our side does that make 'Mother nature' the enemy here? There are no words to explain this, no cause to calm our hearts and no fingers to point. We must unite as the humanity in our hearts is wracked with pain. There are no differences including race, color, or creed that separates us from life or death - only the grim understanding that we are all only human and we do what we can. Find peace within yourselves and share your love with others. That is all we truly can do to make this world a better place after tragedies past, present, and future ones we must live through.

Guy R.		30-Dec-2004 19:40
Quelles belles photos mais quelle desolation. Je prierai pour tous ces morts a la messe du Jour de l'An.

Tsunami Surfer		30-Dec-2004 18:35
Great photos Helmut!. Its too bad that people are getting into religious arguments here. Because the following is what REALLY happened. Just before the Tsunami struck, everyone prayed to their gods. The Christians prayed to Jesus. He came and created a miracle to feed the multitudes. The fish in the ocean were multiplied 100 fold, and deposited on the beach. His followers gleefully ran to the beach to collect them just in time to be wiped out by the Tsunami. But we take consolation in the fact that the believers reside in the house of Jesus house now. Hindus prayed to Vishnu the preserver. But Vishnu holds all living things to be holy. So he systematically evacuated the smallest creatures, before moving on the the larger ones. He had gotten as far as the mice when Shiva the destroyer sent the raging Tsunami which wiped out all of the Hindus. But it could be worse. They get to be reincarnated. The followers of Mohammed prayed to him, and he deposited great Arabian curved swords on the sands with instructions to cut off the heads of nonbelievers. His followers has just grabbed their swords when the Tsunami hit. The weight of their swords made sure they all drowned. But they are each in paradise with their 72 virgins. The few followers of Moses prayed to him and he appeared, beard blowing in the breeze. He sized up the situation instantly and parted the waters around his followers who emerged unharmed. Moses looked at the land around him. "I like it, it reminds me of South Beach Miami", he said. "But its a shame you cant get a decent bagel here" Moses left his followers who ignored the miracle that had saved their lives and instead were busy complaining that the Thai food gave them gas. Happy New Years!

Guest		30-Dec-2004 18:22
There is only one way to the Father and that is through Jesus Christ and anyone can have this free gift only for the asking. He gives to any who will believe in His son. I can't and will not try to explain this act of nature, except satan loves every minute of it! Do not blame God seek Him and His forgiveness through His Son, and then get in a good bible based church and seek His will for your life and have eternal hope!!!!!!!!!!!

Minian Palaniappan		30-Dec-2004 18:03
Thanks for Everything ! And Let Us Pray for Everyone !

Filomena Lara Everard		30-Dec-2004 14:53
Helmut Thanks for sharing your pictures with everybothy. Somebody has to remind the whole world that at this very painfull moment we all have to help our Asian friends who are suffering. Let's pray for the dead and may God bless their souls. About those stupid guys who have no feelings and think only how they holidays might have been spoiled - HELL WITH THEM. Filomena Lara Everard Porto / Portugal

Alan		30-Dec-2004 12:14
If what we believe is really true - that all our souls go to Heaven when we die - then on 26/12/2004 Heaven had a huge line up at its entry gates. Lets just hope and pray that when its our turn to visit, there isnt a "no vacancy" sign out front. Our Creator has a reason for all this.....He will tell us all when we finally visit.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 11:04
This is just the beginning of the end!!! The mother nature is just claim what the "human being" had donne to what belongs to it... There are more to come, Believe.

Antonio		30-Dec-2004 09:18
Com cenas tao terriveis parece um paradoxo ficarmos extasiados com tanta beleza horrivel, assim sao as suas fotos. Parabens pelo sentido de oportunidade. Antonio Portugal

Andrei		30-Dec-2004 07:40
with tears in my eyes I hope that there soon will be a ray of light in this dark time. I never seen something like this, and I pray I will not again. This is really a sad moment in life for everyone, may GOD bless us all

COPYRIGHT		30-Dec-2004 06:44
Dear Mr. Issels: I hope you are safe now. Please, let me reach out to you to encourage you to contact me to help you enforce your copyright. Please contact me regarding your copyright entitlements for all instances in which you photos have already been, and will be used in the future. I assure you discreet dispatch of your rights as a photographer in these matters.

Guest		30-Dec-2004 04:55
newspaper making up a false story: http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2004601615,00.html

Susan		30-Dec-2004 03:29
My heart is with you and all who are enduring this crippling disaster. Living in California earthquake country, I can only imagine how you all are coping. I would like to publish 2 or 3 of the photos in a newsletter published by the Sacramento (CA, USA) Metro Fire Dept for their Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) program. I am writing an article on this tsunami and tsunamis in general and their threat to California. This is a volunteer venture, but I would be willing to do what you feel is best. I can offer you access to photos of a recent mobilization drill by the Sacramento Urban Search and Rescue FEMA Task Force. Please email me for you permission to use any of your photos and for access to the Task Force photos: drago@pair.com Be safe, be smart, take care.

Alan Klaw		30-Dec-2004 03:01
I have followed your postings via Dpreview and I am overwhelmed by both your real time exposures and your obvious humanity. I am deeply touched by your monument and concrete actualization of a tragedy that was all too abstract when it was covered by the statistically obsessed media.Thank You Alan Klaw Rio Rancho New Mexico USA

Wenkmann		30-Dec-2004 01:16
Sehr geehrter Herr Issels, vor wenigen Tagen (am 26.12) habe ich Ihre beeindruckende Gallerie über den Tsunami zum ersten Mal aufgerufen und stelle nun fest, dass bereits annähernd 4 Millionen Menschen Gleiches getan haben. In den Rankings der sog. "Webcrawler" und "Trafficcounter", die sämtliche Hits der rund 4 Milliarden Seiten des Internets analysieren, belegen Sie mit Ihren Bildern bereits den siebten Platz (knapp hinter CNN.com)! Sie sind ab sofort eine historische Persönlichkeit der Zeitgeschichte, so wie die beiden französischen Dokumentarfilmer, die den Einsturz des WTC festgehalten haben. Ihre Bilder werden in den Geschichtsbüchern landen. Wie bereits an anderer Stelle gesagt: Sie hatten ungeheures Glück, dass den ersten Wellen nicht noch eine weitaus Größere folgte (wie dies sonst der Fall ist). Ich hoffe, dass sich Ihr Mut auch finanziell gelohnt hat.... Bitte stellen Sie doch ein Foto von Ihnen ins Netz, damit sich die Welt ein Bild machen kann! Danke, Wenkmann

Pamela		30-Dec-2004 00:24
Dear Hellmut, I am awed by your compelling photographs... my heart aches for the suffering and loss of so many of God's children in the wake of the tsunami's wrath. What I can do to help, I am doing....but it seems so little in light of such a huge tragedy. Thank you for sharing your personal experience of this disaster through your camera lens.

Human		29-Dec-2004 23:41
Hellmut...Thank you for sharing the pictures. I am sure that you must be burdened heavily to actually be there. My heart breaks with yours and I pray that you will be comforted and given strength by God through His son Jesus.Thank you for helping bring home the reality of what has taken place to our fellow human beings, as unpleasant and hard to take as it is. I don't know what else to say except that God has a plan and I don't always understand or agree, yet His will is ultimately going to be done.I trust He knows best. My prayers are with you all.

Guest		29-Dec-2004 21:25
Toplumlar ne zaman azgýnlýkta ileri gitti ilahi adalet onlarý uyardý ancak insanlar bunu hiç bir zaman anlamak istemedi ya da en son anda yani firavun gibi boðulurken anladýlar. Bu Lut kavmi içinde Pompei halký içinde böyleydi Puket adasý sakinleri içinde böyle oldu. Allah Halimdir.

Scott Gardner		29-Dec-2004 20:33
Hellmut, I am interested in publishing your photos in my newspaper in Canada. Please contact me if you are able so we can discuss details. Thank you, Scott Gardner The Hamilton Spectator Hamilton, Canada

Brent		29-Dec-2004 20:31
I remember PhiPhi and the west coast of Phuket as they were eighteen years ago, and shudder to think of the devastation today. Your photos are horrible and beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I'm going to drop my donation off at MSF later today. God bless & keep you all safe.

Janet		29-Dec-2004 18:43
Hellmut, we are so relieved to see the photos, devastating though they may be. You were so fortunate. We stayed there two years ago, and had the pleasure of meeting you and jogging with you around Bang Tao. We have been terribly worried about the friends that we made then. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives. The cleanup phase will be very difficult and disheartening. Please know that many are thinking of you all, wishing you well, and actively looking for ways to be of assistance. Our prayers are with you.

Janet		29-Dec-2004 18:42
Hellmut, we are so relieved to see the photos, devastating though they may be. You were so fortunate. We stayed there two years ago, and had the pleasure of meeting you and jogging with you around Bang Tao. We have been terribly worried about the friends that we made then. Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of those who lost their lives. The cleanup phase will be very difficult and disheartening. Please know that many are thinking of you all, wishing you well, and actively looking for ways to be of assistance. Our prayers are with you.

thierry		29-Dec-2004 18:30
un Dieu était avec vous ce jour.

Eddie		29-Dec-2004 18:14
I just read the horrible comments by the idiot going by sue nommy (tsunami). To those of you who lost loved ones or are just plain insulted by the moronic statements of that person, you are being thought of by billions of people around the world who are shocked and saddened by such a horrible event. Sudden loss of life is hard to accept for us humans and hard to comprehend when it is of such magnitude as this. May GOD bless those who are dead and those who are suffering.

Heather		29-Dec-2004 17:10
it is so sad - so incredibly huge. I know the loss of human lives will be so much greater than anyone estimates now. my heart breaks for those who are beginning to grasp their loss - of loved ones, of health, of life as they know it. our hearts are breaking...

Andy		29-Dec-2004 15:43
Thank you for letting the world know through your eyes. Stay safe Andy

Lyle Gray		29-Dec-2004 14:05
Hellmut, Thank you for sharing. It is hard for those of us who did not experience this natural disaster to comprehend the surreal ness of it all. What was going through your mind as you watched the ocean rise to the level it did at your hotel? Did it seem that it would never stop? God bless you all. Cedarburg, Wisconsin

cindy		29-Dec-2004 13:30
I am so far away from the disaster in Detroit but I think & pray for the families & friends who have been left behind to deal with the grief. Thank you for the photos so we can really appreciate the horror of this disaster. cindy

linda		29-Dec-2004 12:47
dear helmut, i thank the lord you are alive i have been most saddened by these scornful images your photo work inpeciable but the thought of so many losing their lives will scare me for ever perhaps at a time like this you may want to sell your photos to the highest bidder then use the funds to help the survivors!!!!!! you would then in return go down in history!!!!!! what an acheivement that would be man takes photos of natural disaster then donates funds to surviors sounds good..... if you have compassion you will do whats right god bless everyone peace be with you all i cant even cmprhend this devastion linda western australia

Guest		29-Dec-2004 12:28
Hi Mr. Issels, We are interested in those impressive photos you taken in Phuket. We are so eager to publish on our paper. Could you contact us? Best regards, The Sun, Hong Kong Email: sunnew@idcs.oriental.com.hk Direct Line: Mr. Ming Lung Yeung, 852-22665174

David Adams		29-Dec-2004 11:56
Hi Hellmut, I edit an Australian-based website - www.sightmagazine.com.au. Saw your pictures in newspapers here. Could you please contact me? Regards David Adams editor editor@sightmagazine.com.au

Josep Moya		29-Dec-2004 11:04
I've seen this images I am not sure but i think that is Bang tao this last setember my wife and me was in Dusit Laguna Hotel i'am seeing knowledge places in this pictures I have similar pictures of the same place

Prasenjit Sharma		29-Dec-2004 10:43
It had been a good work by you to get us the pictures to see.

sumit		29-Dec-2004 10:33
very Moving pictures. This reminds me how we take the nature for granted. YOu were lucky to get hold of those moments for us to see

Guest		29-Dec-2004 06:03
Hellmut, please contact me i would be interested to find out more about these images. many thanks , Maria

Franki Chung		29-Dec-2004 02:25
You have used your super Canon camera very well. Let us spare a thought and prayer for all those who have lost their lives, those who have been made homeless or orphaned or lost a sibling or a loved one in this natural disaster. With your pictures, hope the world and relief agencies take up this challenge in real earnest and bring succour to those most in need. Franki

Cyprien		29-Dec-2004 02:18
Hello Hellmut, This is Cyprien, 25, from France. I am glad that the wave did not reach you and your camera. Other photographers on that morning might not have had your chance and no one will ever see their pictures. I just can't take away from my head two of your images showing a boy or young man (I think it is the same person on both pictures although I'm not sure) fighting agains the waves. I wondered if you'd seen what had happened to him. The fight of this boy obsesses me for some reasons and I'd really like to know if you have any knowledge of his survival. My question might be very naïve, considering the power of the flood, but you might have seen him manage to save his life... I'd like to know. I am no journalist, just an amateur photographer and junior director, asking myself tons of questions about how I could have reacted should I have been at your place. I'd be really glad to have your answer at : cypvial@hotmail.com I wish you the best for those last days of 2004 and for the future, and thank you in advance for answering my demand when you have time for it. Cyprien http://mignon.kaywa.com/

Cyprien		29-Dec-2004 02:14
Hello Hellmut, This is Cyprien, 25, from France. I am glad that the wave did not reach you and your camera. Other photographers on that morning might not have had your chance and no one will ever see their pictures. I just can't take away from my head two of your images showing a boy or young man (I think it is the same person on both pictures although I'm not sure) fighting agains the waves. I wondered if you'd seen what had happened to him. The fight of this boy obsesses me for some reasons and I'd really like to know if you have any knowledge of his survival. My question might be very naïve, considering the power of the flood, but you might have seen him manage to save his life... I'd like to know. I am no journalist, just an amateur photographer and junior director, asking myself tons of questions about how I could have reacted should I have been at your place. I'd be really glad to have your answer at : cypvial@hotmail.com I wish you the best for those last days of 2004 and for the future, and thank you in advance for answering my demand when you have time for it. Cyprien http://mignon.kaywa.com/

rory		29-Dec-2004 00:35
Hi Hemut, my name is Ruaridh ( rory) from ZUMA Press in the USA, saw your pictures in the sydney morning herald - very impressive, Would like to represent your images pls contact me if interested - office_ 949-494-7704 cell: 949-246-1991 picturedesk@zumapress.com

greg fiume		29-Dec-2004 00:30
I am a photo editor at AOL and I am interesting in possibly using some of these pictures from Phuket. Please get in touch with me asap.

greg fiume		29-Dec-2004 00:29
I am a photo editor at AOL and I am interested in possibly using some of these pictures from Phuket. Please get in touch with me asap.

rebecca		28-Dec-2004 22:34
I am interesting in possibly publishing some of these images from Phuket. Please get in touch with me asap, or put me in touch with your rep. Kind regards

Greg		28-Dec-2004 22:22
Amazing pictures. I am stunned and saddened by the magnitude of this event. Try to stay safe.

telford elliott		28-Dec-2004 22:16
Those are amasing pics.U dont seem to get the true story from the news. It the first hand accounts that tell the story. And these pics tell a story. I sent the link to friends n family so they could see history.

randy		28-Dec-2004 21:11
Do you mind me asking what kind of camera are you using? Randy (xydnar@gmail.com)

roger		28-Dec-2004 18:30
t'as vraiment du pot d'en être sorti indemne ! c'est vraiment curieux d'avoir persisté à filmer l'évènement alors que tu risquais d'y périr... profite bien de la survie qui t'a été accordée ! .Comment est-il possible de dire que Dieu est bon lorsqu'on voit les malheurs qui adviennent aux plus pauvres ?

Guest		28-Dec-2004 14:19
Hi, this China Times. As we have mentioned in the last two letters, we would like to publish your photos of tsunami. Please contact us if you would like to discuss furthur details. Best regards, sheenaqn@ms29.hinet.net.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 14:11
HI, This is China Times again. We would like to publish your photos of tsunami. Please contact us at sheenaqn@ms29.hinet.net. Thank you so much.

Guest		28-Dec-2004 13:31
This is China Times in Taiwan, can we have your authorize to use your photos of the tsunami? We will be very grateful if you would grant us the previledge.

Cait McMahon		28-Dec-2004 12:08
Dear Hellmut, It doesn't feel right to 'thankyou' for photos of such a horrific event, yet I am appreciative that you have been able to let me know - and the world, of the human impact of such a horrible natural disaster. I am part of a not for profit trauma organisation that would like to use some of your photos. Can you please let me know how you would like this to happen, or if it is possible. Thankyou, Cait

Emma Ring		28-Dec-2004 10:53
Hello Helmut, can you please advise whether a selection of the images posted on this site are available for contrib/stringer usage to be hosted via Getty Images. Please advise, so I can pass details to my managing editor. Thank you.

Chua Hian Hou		28-Dec-2004 08:45
and yes, much like the other newspapers, we're keen to reproduce this amazing set of photos. I'm with the Straits Times in Singapore, and please kindly contact me at chuahh@sph.com.sg, or at 65-98423554? thanks and regards,

Chia-Huei Tsai		28-Dec-2004 05:57
Hi, We found these photos really impressive and are interested in publishing them on our paper, Apple Daily Taiwan. Please contact us. Best regards, Chia-Huei chtsai@appledaily.com.tw lancat@appledaily.com.tw

Pether Engstrom		28-Dec-2004 05:41
Hello Hellmut. Great photos. Aftonbladet newspaper in Sweden would like to publish them. Please contact me. Kind regards. Pether pictures@aftonbladet.se pether.engstrom@aftonbladet.se

rachel ward		28-Dec-2004 01:30
Inquiring if the New Zealand Herald could buy two or more of your excellent pictures from you. Our deadline would be in about 5 hours. Thanks

mary		28-Dec-2004 00:38
Thanks for pictures. I saw your web address in The Age in Melbourne. I have a brother in Sri Lanka at the moment, but I have heard he is safe. I also have freinds and work collegues in Chennai, but have not heard news. Thnaks and best wishes to all.

Paul Jarrett		28-Dec-2004 00:17
Great set of pictures. If you could contact us with more information we might be able to use some of them. Regards Paul, London Daily Telegraph.

RF from San Diego, CA		27-Dec-2004 23:34
these are definetly breath taking pictures of what is considered by many to be the most catastrophic natural event in recent history...i thank you for posting these pictures so that the rest of the world can see just how horrifying this must have been for those who were present at the time when it actually happened...i pray for the victims of those poor individuals who might of lost their home or even loved ones...once again thank you

Justin		27-Dec-2004 22:11
Have seen the images and am worried about the small Island about 1 hr by boat off Phuket called Racha. If anyone has any news on the Island could they please contact throught the above email address. Regards, Justin.

Johnson Liu		27-Dec-2004 19:20
Hi, I work in a newspaper in TW and my paper is interested in acquiring some of the images here for publication. Can you contact us at john.son@msa.hinet.net