Royal Navy sends help to the Bahamas

THE Royal Navy has deployed extra medics and is sending another ship to deliver humanitarian assistance to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian, the Ministry of Defence has said.

A statement said: “The Royal Navy has deployed extra medics to join Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Mounts Bay in delivering humanitarian assistance to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian.

“A team of 18 military medical staff will arrive in the region this evening and will provide emergency care, surgery and intensive care to those in need.

“They join Royal Navy support ship RFA Mounts Bay, which is delivering aid to the Bahamas following the destruction caused by the devastating hurricane.

“Another Royal Navy ship, HMS Protector, has been re-tasked to the Bahamas. It is currently in Bermuda taking on board supplies such as food, water and clothing. On Monday it will sail to the Bahamas where it will provide further support to the disaster relief efforts.

“The UK is also working with other partners in the region, including the US Coast Guard, whose helicopters have refuelled on RFA Mounts Bay.”

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “The devastation wrought by Hurricane Dorian has required an urgent response and the UK’s commitment to the Caribbean means that our Royal Navy is on hand to help. They have acted swiftly to deploy an extra 18 medical personnel from the UK to the Bahamas, where they will provide desperately needed expertise.

“As part of this quick response, we’re working closely with our US counterparts in delivering assistance to the Bahamas.

“Our thoughts remain with those affected and those who have lost loved ones and homes.”