The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Lyme Bay has been rerouted to assist humanitarian relief efforts in the Commonwealth country of Dominica following the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Erika, the UK’s International Development Secretary Justine Greening announced today.
The British ship is carrying a range of disaster relief stores including bedding, shelter, torches and stretchers, as well as a Lynx Mk 8 helicopter and considerable supplies of fresh water.
The ship is stationed in the Caribbean and as part of its primary tasking acts as a first responder in the event of a disaster in the region.
Victoria Dean, British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, said they been very saddened in the UK to see the devastation that this tropical storm has had on Dominica and the UK Government is working hard to offer the very best support.
She said the Department for International Development (DFID) has already committed 300,000 British Pounds in immediate humanitarian aid.
