HMS TRENT has departed the Virgin Islands after a busy few days assisting with the clean-up following Tropical Storm Ernesto.  

On a routine visit to the islands as part of the Royal Navy’s support to the British Overseas Territories, HMS TRENT docked at the Tortola Pier Park on Thursday 15 August with 84 personnel on board.

During courtesy calls on Governor, Daniel Pruce, and Premier, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, HMS TRENT’s Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, readily offered his Ship’s Company and embarked Crisis Response Troop from 24 Commando, Royal Engineers, to work alongside BVI’s own Public Works Department and maintenance personnel to assist clean-up operations after Tropical Storm Ernesto.

A group of Royal Engineers and Ship’s Company visited the Elmore Stoutt High School to pump out flood water, while a team of qualified Chainsaw Operators helped in felling unstable trees and generally future-proofing for the rest of the hurricane season. Disaster management personnel and key agencies were also briefed on HMS TRENT’s disaster response capabilities. Once the school was drained of water the team of Ship’s Company and Royal Engineers moved to a nearby storm drain that had been blocked by foliage.

The Governor and the Premier visited the Ship for briefs on the Ship’s ongoing operations in the region, including the interception of drug traffickers. Since January, HMS TRENT has intercepted over 6.3 tonnes of narcotics, worth a street value of over $640 million.

HMS TRENT also invited cohorts from three local youth groups on board – the British Virgin Island Cadet Corps, MALE/FEMALE and the Taekwondo Academy. Children toured HMS TRENT and met with personnel, learned about the Ship’s operations and tested out its equipment including drones and firefighting equipment used to keep you safe if there was an issue on board. The groups got a tour of the Bridge and Flight Deck to show the Ships capability.

The Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, said: ‘It has been a pleasure to have HMS TRENT ashore and I’m grateful we could all work together to clean up the damage following Ernesto. I was also impressed by the Ship’s work to ensure the security of our borders and waters, especially the success it’s had intercepting traffickers, disrupting the evil drugs trade.’

HMS TRENT Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, said: ‘It’s been a genuine pleasure for HMS TRENT’s team of sailors, soldiers and Royal Marines to be able to assist the local population with clean-up activity after the passing of Tropical Storm Ernesto. Whilst activity ashore has been focused on providing low-level assistance, our visit to these wonderful Islands has also allowed my team to make vital connections with BVI disaster relief and crisis response teams, and to refine plans for future support in the event of hurricane damage.’