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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
British Navy Vessel HMS Mersey will visit The Bahamas, June 6th -10th. HMS Mersey is one of the Royal Navy’s four River Class Offshore Patrol Vessels.
Acting High Commissioner to the Bahamas, Julia Sutherland said “We are happy that HMS Mersey is able to visit the Bahamas. This is another symbol of our commitment to improving UK – Bahamas relations. Her presence provides an opportunity for us to engage with the Bahamian government and citizens.
Following on the work of RFA Lyme Bay after the passage of Hurricane Joaquin, HMS Mersey will be available to provide support to the region during this hurricane season, to be succeeded by RFA Wave Knight in July. We look forward to welcoming as many persons as possible on board. ”
With a top speed of 21kts, a range of 10,000nm and a pair of Pacific 22 Rigid inflatable boats HMS Mersey is ideally suited for boarding operations and if required, humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
At 80m in length and a draft of less than 5m, she also has the ability to visit smaller islands and ports that wouldn’t normally be accessible to the Royal Navy’s Frigates and Destroyers.
Mersey left the UK in early January and will be deployed on Atlantic Patrol Task (North) until July.
She will provide security and assurance to the UK’s overseas territories in the Caribbean, visiting all 6 during her time in the region.
Mersey will also reinforce trade links with Central America and reaffirm relationships with foreign partners, including the Mexican Navy. Additionally she will conduct counter-narcotics patrols with a US Coast Guard Law Enforcement Detachment team embarked for boarding operations.
Throughout the deployment she will be on standby to assist with disaster relief operations, carrying emergency relief stores including food and water and among her 48 crew is a doctor and medical team. The ship can make ten tonnes of fresh water per day and is also able to embark shipping containers of aid and equipment if required, using her own cranes.
Whilst in Nassau Mersey will conduct training with the Royal Bahaman Defence Force and the Ship’s Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Richard Hewitt will call on the Chief of the Bahaman Defence Staff. The Ship will also welcome local Cadets and School Children for tours.
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