SHOULD a hurricane strike between now and December, Jamaicans can be assured that the island’s disaster relief efforts will be bolstered by the HMS Lancaster, the British naval ship that is currently patrolling Caribbean waters and helping with the fight against narco-trafficking.
Forecasters have predicted an above-average 2013 hurricane season, which began on June 1 and ends November 30. And, despite a lowering of the outlook at the beginning of August, they said the remainder of the season could see up to 14 named storms, eight of which should develop into hurricanes, with three becoming major systems — meaning that they will be category three or stronger.Already, the season has seen four storms in Andrea, Barry, Chantal and Dorian.Last Friday, during a press tour of the vessel while it docked at the Kingston Harbour, officer-of-the-watch Lieutenant Oliver Beckler told journalists that the 400ft by 25ft frigate carries around a capable team consisting of engineers, medics, fire-fighters and logistics personnel.“In the event of hurricanes, the team will be in close proximity,” he said.The team will assist with disaster relief and humanitarian services such as providing para-medical assistance, search-and- rescue missions and engineering tasks.He said that the team will also be able to help people in communities that are marooned — distributing food and undertaking emergency rescue missions — with the use of the Lynx helicopter on board.The vessel was deployed to the Caribbean in May and will be in the territory until December.Prior to visiting Jamaica, the frigate visited Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, Anguilla and Monsterrat. While in Anguilla, the team assisted the Royal Anguilla Police Force in a drug bust.When the frigate leaves the Caribbean in December, a similar vessel — the RFA Wave Knight — will be assigned to the region.The HMS Lancaster left Kingston Harbour on Monday en route to Puerto Rico.Lieutenant Oliver Beckler points to the Lynx helicopter as he addresses journalists on board the HMS Lancaster as it docked at the Kingston Harbour last Friday. (PHOTO: LIONEL ROOKWOOD)View the original article here
HMS Lancaster to bolster hurricane relief efforts
