- HMS Trent sailed to Jamaica to help with humanitarian
support, following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
- HMS Trent has arrived off the coast of Jamaica today having
been pre-positioned in the Caribbean as part of the UK's
permanent presence in the region.
- Royal Engineers onboard will go ashore to help assess and
repair key infrastructure.
Communities in Jamaica affected by Hurricane Melissa will receive
targeted support from HMS Trent, which sailed to storm-damaged
Falmouth today with specialist personnel and
equipment.
HMS Trent, a British-built Offshore Patrol Vessel, carries a 75
strong crew, including specialist engineers who will deploy
ashore to provide technical expertise in support of recovery
efforts. Their work will focus on infrastructure assessments and
emergency repairs, in coordination with Jamaican
authorities.
A Royal Navy patrol vessel has maintained an ongoing presence in
the Caribbean in recent years, ready to respond during hurricane
season whilst also conducting counter-drug trafficking operations
and wider support to the British Overseas Territories.
The deployment comes after the UK announced a wider package of
support to Jamaica, including over 3,000 shelter kits and over
1,500 solar powered lanterns to help those whose homes have been
damaged and those without power. A specialist FCDO Rapid
Deployment Team is also in Jamaica to provide consular assistance
to affected British nationals.
Defence Secretary MP said:
"I'm proud of our British Armed Forces for the important role
they play in disaster relief missions.
"Our UK maritime presence in the Caribbean is proving its worth
through this critical assistance to those in Jamaica affected by
the devastating Hurricane Melissa.
“Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel will support their
civilian colleagues with specialist engineering expertise to
assist local recovery efforts– as Britain steps up to support
those in need.”
Minister for the Caribbean, MP,
said:
“UK government teams have been working around the clock to get
relief supplies to those hardest hit by the hurricane, and The
Royal Navy's HMS Trent has arrived to assist with local recovery
efforts.
“British personnel are on board to help restore vital
infrastructure for communities affected by the storm, supporting
those most in need.”
Offshore Patrol Vessels like HMS Trent are loaded with two
top-of-the line rigid inflatable Zodiac boats, to rapidly move
support teams and quadbikes ashore.
HMS Trent is also equipped with drones that can assist the
Jamaican authorities in conducting reconnaissance missions of
damaged areas by providing aerial assessments and imagery. HMS
Trent is the third of five River-class Batch Two Offshore Patrol
Vessels of the Royal Navy.
HMS Trent was initially deployed to the Turks and Caicos Islands,
a UK Overseas Territory, along with an Operational Liaison and
Reconnaissance Team to respond to any potential disasters. After
ongoing discussions with the Jamaican government, HMS Trent was
requested to sail to Jamaica on Monday.
It comes after the UK Government announced £7.5 million in
emergency funding to support the region's immediate humanitarian
needs. This funding is enabling the delivery of relief items, and
UK humanitarian and technical experts who are in the region to
assist with the coordination and delivery of aid.
