Second Officer Stuart Fife takes members of the media on a tour of the Wave Ruler on Saturday. Photo: NGOVOU GYANG

If the Virgin Islands were hit by a hurricane or other disaster, help likely would come by sea.

The Wave Ruler, a Royal Fleet Auxiliary supply ship, visited VI waters over the weekend in part to reassure the territory of its presence.

Besides providing assistance to overseas territories, the 228-metre-long former warship helps supply other British ships at sea, Second Office Stuart Fife said during a Saturday tour.

The vessel replenishes warships’ fuel, food and water, the officer explained, adding that it has the ability to produce 400 tons of potable water daily. 

The ship was recently in the Turks and Caicos Islands assisting with relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Irene, according to Mr. Fife.

See the Oct. 27, 2011 edition for full coverage.