HMS Ocean departs Gibraltar loaded with supplies for Hurricane Irma relief

Royal Navy helicopter carrier HMS Ocean departed Gibraltar on Tuesday afternoon heading for the British Overseas Territories in the Caribbean where it will deliver emergency supplies for those affected by Hurricane Irma.

During her time alongside in Gibraltar HMS Ocean loaded over 200 pallets of aid which included items such as timber, buckets, bottled water, bedding, clothing as well as food and milk for babies which is in short supply.

She is also delivering pickup trucks to the affected region donated by the Gibraltar government.

The Plymouth-based ship also embarked seven extra medical staff so her sick bay can provide emergency care if required.

HMS Ocean was operating in the Mediterranean Sea as Flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group 2 when Hurricane Irma struck, causing untold damage to islands in the Caribbean.

HMS Ocean was re-tasked to head out to the area to join the auxiliary ship RFA Mounts Bay which has been in the region helping provide cover throughout the Hurricane season. HMS Ocean will provide humanitarian relief and help the islands affected by carrying out repairs to the infrastructure.

As well as all the stores the ship will be carrying two Chinooks from 18 Squadron RAF Odiham, two Merlin Mk2 helicopters from 820 Naval Air Squadron based at RNAS Culdrose and battlefield Wildcats from the Army Air Corps.