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Sat 12:30 pm EST: Royal Navy on hand to assist
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| Published on Saturday, August 30, 2008 |
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Royal Navy Warship, HMS Iron Duke and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel Wave Ruler have now arrived in the vicinity of the Cayman Islands, ready to render assistance if required in the wake of Hurricane Gustav.
Gustav, who recently caused damage to Haiti and Jamaica, has now passed over the Caymans. Between them, HMS Iron Duke and RFA Wave Ruler are able to deploy First Aid and Rescue teams ashore, as well as engineering support as requested by the local authorities. The key aspect is that Royal Navy and RFA personnel are available for that initial period now that Gustav has hit. They will respond as requested by the local authorities on the ground.
At this time, HMS Iron Duke will launch her Lynx Helicopter and conducted a survey of the Island of Little Cayman which bore the brunt of the Hurricane. Pictures obtained during that survey will be made available to the Emergency Centre located on Grand Cayman. RFA Wave Ruler is also in the vicinity of Little Cayman and available to assist if required.
HMS Iron Duke’s Captain, Command Mark Newland said “We have been tracking Gustav closely and for the last couple of days have been in consultation with the Cayman Isles and our own Commanders back in UK. The opportunity to conduct a survey of the smaller Cayman Islands just 12 hours after the hurricane has passed through presents a tangible example of how the Royal Navy can assist the Caymans. We are ready for whatever is asked of us over the coming few days.”
He went on to explain how this ship had been preparing itself. “Ahead of our arrival, we have conducted some outline planning, familiarising ourselves with the Cayman Isles plans and given some thought to how our people might be involved. We have then been able spent time refreshing some key skills needed ashore such a First Aid and map reading.”
HMS Iron Duke has been deployed to the Caribbean region since late June and has been involved in Counter Drugs work with the US Coastguard alongside providing re-assurance to the UK Overseas Territories.
During her recent patrols, Iron Duke has visited the Turks and Caicos Islands. Whilst alongside Grand Turk, the Ship’s Command Team met up the key personnel within the Island’s Disaster Relief Organisation and held discussions as to the issues affecting the Islands and the capabilities of HMS Iron Duke when conducting Disaster Relief. | | | | Reads : 1328 |
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