National Hurricane Committee officials toured the Royal Navy’s HMS Iron Duke, to discuss the warship’s assistance in the event of a natural disaster last week.
National Emergency Management Agency Deputy Director McCleary Frederick, NHC Co-ordinator Rosworth McLaughlin and Communications Liaison Lee Madison were escorted around the vessel by Lt. Cdr. Jeeves Toor.
According to a GIS release, the lieutenant commander, advised the delegation that any of the Navy’s ships would be capable of assisting where a natural disaster to occur.
During the visit, Mr Frederick noted that post disaster needs included developing flight plans, reconnaissance of the area post-disaster and providing minimum amounts of water to the island.
Lt. Cdr. Toor confirmed the ship’s ability to provide those necessities of mobility and search and rescue.
He further mentioned that in the event of a disaster, a sister ship with additional supplies would also be deployed alongside any HMS vessel ordered to assist Cayman.
Useful equipment on the ship included two sea-boats and a smaller tow-away boat. The vessel’s multi-functional helicopter, however, was described as its best asset, according to Lt. Cdr. Toor.
Not only can the helicopter fly 150 miles inland, it can transport up to 1300kg. The senior officer said that the aircraft’s could best be deployed make reconnaissance of the area in the aftermath of a disaster and in doing so assist local on the ground emergency services.
The delegation was also advised that the ship has 15 officers trained as medics and one medical doctor onboard.
‘Further discussions with the NHC will enable a wider range of mitigation efforts, so that we are in a better position should any natural or manmade disaster occur,’ said Mr Frederick.
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