Aid From Hampshire Arrives in Haiti

1 February 2010, 13:03 | Updated: 13 July 2020, 13:57

The British amphibious landing ship, Royal Fleet Auxiliary Largs Bay arrived off Haiti today (18 February) loaded with essential stores and equipment in aid of the earthquake victims.

Her mission is on behalf of the Department for International Development, Save the Children and the International Federation of Red Cross. The 16,160-tonne ship sailed from the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood, near Southampton, on 3 February tasked with delivering bulky items that are not suitable for air freight. Her cargo includes 5,700 sheets of corrugated iron to build much-needed shelters, 40 vehicles and 15 containers of general stores.

Largs Bay’s Commanding Officer, Captain Ian Johnson, said,: "I am glad that we have arrived in Haiti. We have had some very heavy weather along the way so it is good to be in the calmer waters of the Caribbean so we can concentrate on the job in hand. The weather today is like a typical day at home – overcast and grey – and we are conscious that the rainy season is upon us. My team are raring to go but before we unload any cargo we will conduct a quick recce of the beach at Port au Prince in preparation for the main event which starts at first light tomorrow (19 Feb). We expect to take just 14 hours to unload all the cargo.’’

On their journey members of the crew and embarked military forces have been taking part in a sponsored row on board which so far has raised more than £500 for the Haiti charity appeal.

To find out more about how RFA Largs Bay is doing, visit her daily blog and meet some of your sailors at sea at http://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/operations-and-support/royal-fleet-auxiliary/rfa-flotilla/bay-class-landing-ships/rfa-largs-bay/unit-diary/