A Royal Navy warship has sailed to the Cayman Islands to support Hurricane Beryl relief efforts after the powerful storm devastated islands in the southeastern Caribbean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The hurricane has caused damage across the region and killed at least seven people so far in Grenada, Carriacou, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela.
It was forecast to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight, and by Thursday morning its eye was about 500 miles east-southeast of Tulum, Mexico.
HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend with its crew ready to assist communities affected by flooding and storm damage.
The storm, previously classified as a Category 5, could bring winds of more than 155 mph to the area, according to the Ministry of Defense.
HMS Trent (pictured) is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend with crew ready to assist communities affected by flooding and storm damage.
Hurricane Beryl (pictured) has caused damage across the region and killed at least seven people so far in Grenada, Carriacou, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela.
Red Cross members carry a Union Island evacuee on a stretcher upon arrival in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
HMS Trent left Puerto Rico on Wednesday carrying bottled water, basic emergency supplies and other equipment, with more than 50 sailors on board.
The personnel include a team from 700X Naval Air Squadron who will be able to “conduct aerial reconnaissance” and assess damage from above, to support members of 24 Commando Royal Engineers who are also on board, the MoD said.
A specialist Rapid Deployment Team has already travelled to the Eastern Caribbean to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals, the government department added.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are believed to be making private donations to Hurricane Beryl relief efforts.
Earlier today, King Charles expressed his “deep sadness” at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
In a personal message, he sent his “deepest condolences” on behalf of the Royal Family and praised the emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working around the clock to deal with the aftermath.
The King (pictured yesterday with Queen Camilla) has expressed his “deep sadness” at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean
Debris is seen outside destroyed houses in the wake of Hurricane Beryl, in Petite Martinique, Grenada, on July 2, 2024.
A woman walks on Manresa beach, covered in garbage after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, July 3, 2024
He has asked to be kept closely informed about the development of the situation and hopes to communicate directly with regional leaders in the coming days to offer his support and condolences.
In his message, King Charles said: “My family and I are deeply saddened to hear of the terrible destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean. Above all, we send our sincere condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost their lives so cruelly.
‘I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to so much destruction, a spirit that has been called upon all too often, and so I also send my particular gratitude to the emergency services and volunteers who are supporting the rescue and recovery efforts.
‘At this difficult time, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been completely devastated.’
Hurricane Beryl has hit several Caribbean islands, most recently Jamaica, killing at least eight people.
Nearly all homes have been destroyed or severely damaged on Union Island in the Grenadines, where authorities say the storm has caused “immense destruction.”
King Charles remains head of state in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, but also in Grenada, which has also been badly affected, and in Jamaica.
No storm has reached Beryl’s intensity level so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June to November.
The King’s message comes after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had privately donated to the relief effort and continue to closely monitor the impact of the hurricane.
