Many residents will have seen the large, gray ship out in Road Harbour. As in years past, the Royal Navy has dispatched the ship to the region to be ready to provide speedy aid in case of hurricanes and other national disasters.
The RFA Wave Ruler arrived yesterday and is slated to stay until Monday, said Captain Steve Norris at a press briefing today. The 120-crew ship has been meeting with emergency responders such as those in the Department of Disaster Management and at the Peebles Hospital to discuss emergency contingency plans for the ship’s crew of Royal Navy and civilian seafarers.
“We’re the first line of service. We’ll bring in supplies in case of an emergency, just until they can get back on their feet,” Capt. Norris said of the plan for medical response in the event of an emergency.
The crew also conducted training for BVI Fire and Rescue Services on how to respond to fires and other emergencies at sea.
See the June 30, 2011 edition for full coverage.