Mexeflote coming ashore with helicopter overhead and “RFA Mounts Bay” in the distance.
Unloading equipment from the Mexeflote at Crocus Bay.
ANGUILLA–Governor Tim Foy, government Ministers Curtis Richardson and Evans McNiel Rogers, Director of Disaster Management Melissa Meade and a wide and varied grouping of government officials and staff, media and curious onlookers gathered at Crocus Bay on Tuesday morning, July 3, to witness the landing of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Mounts Bay’s Mexeflote barge onto the beach.
The Mexeflote barge, efficiently and without a hitch, discharged tractors, diggers, trucks and all-terrain vehicles filled with various construction materials, which then quickly re-grouped into a convoy making its way up the Crocus Bay hill towards the Princess Alexandra Hospital where a contingent of the ship’s crew planned to spend the day repairing and replacing damaged hospital infrastructure.
Governor Foy said, “RFA Mounts Bay’s mission is to come to the assistance of any of the Overseas Territories affected by a disaster. Today [Tuesday – Ed.], the crew is practising what they would do in a disaster event. Part of the crew will be at the Princess Alexandra Hospital working closely with Superintendent Michael Webster to help with tidying up following a lot of repair and rehabilitation work that has gone on. This is a good illustration of Mounts Bay’s capability and the UK’s determination to stand by Anguilla in the event of another hurricane.”
Minister Rogers added his thanks on behalf of the people of Anguilla to the governor and the British government for their assistance in disaster relief as well as the assistance to the hospital.
Commanding Officer of the RFA Mount Bay, Captain Peter Selbie said, “This is the UK’s ship in the region for the next two years, ready to respond to any humanitarian disaster or natural disaster within a few hours.” In addition to the offloaded vehicles being used to support some tasks at the hospital, the crew will also conduct communication exercises to ensure everyone is ready for the hurricane season.
The UK maintains a year-round naval presence in the Caribbean to provide a rapid response to any emergency in the Territories. RFA Mounts Bay is currently embarking upon her wider regional role, providing reassurance and support to UK Overseas Territories. Upon departing Anguilla, RFA Mounts Bay will sail to Curaçao for replenishment and minor maintenance. It will remain in the Eastern Caribbean.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/78232-mexeflote-barge-delivers-disaster-relief-equipment-at-crocus-bay
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