Royal Navy warship is dispatched to the Cayman Islands as 150mph Hurricane Beryl bears down on British overseas territory braces for impact
- Hurricane Beryl has wreaked havoc across the Caribbean
- At least seven people have been killed since it began whirling
- The Royal Navy is sending HMS Trent to provide humanitarian aid
A Royal Navy warship has set sail to the Cayman Islands to support Hurricane Beryl relief efforts after the powerful storm tore through islands in the south-east Caribbean, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said.
The hurricane has wreaked damage in the region and killed at least seven people so far across Grenada, Carriacou, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela.
It was predicted to pass just south of the Cayman Islands overnight and, on Thursday morning, its eye was approximately 500 miles east-southeast of Tulum, Mexico.
HMS Trent, an offshore patrol vessel, is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend with the crew set to help communities affected by flooding and storm damage.
The storm, previously rated Category 5, could bring winds of more than 155mph to the area, according to the MoD.
HMS Trent (pictured) is scheduled to arrive in the Cayman Islands this weekend with the crew set to help communities affected by flooding and storm damage
Hurricane Beryl (pictured) has wreaked damage in the region and killed at least seven people so far across Grenada, Carriacou, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Venezuela
Members of the Red Cross transport a Union Island evacuee on a stretcher as she arrives in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
HMS Trent departed from Puerto Rico on Wednesday carrying bottled water, basic emergency supplies and other equipment, with more than 50 sailors on board.
Personnel include a team from 700X Naval Air Squadron who will be able to 'conduct airborne 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 understood to be donating privately to Hurricane Beryl relief efforts.
Earlier today, King Charles expressed his 'profound sadness' at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean.
In a personal message he sent his 'heartfelt condolences' from the Royal Family and praised emergency services personnel and volunteers who are working round-the-clock to deal with the aftermath.
The King (pictured yesterday with Queen Camilla) has expressed his 'profound sadness' at the destruction and loss of life caused by Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean
Wreckage is seen outside battered homes following the passing of Hurricane Beryl, in Petite Martinique, Grenada, July 2, 2024
A woman walks along the beach of Manresa, covered with garbage after the passage of Hurricane Beryl in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, 3 July 2024
He has asked to be kept closely informed of the developing situation, and is hoping to engage with regional leaders directly in coming days to offer his support and sympathies.
In his message King Charles said: 'My family and I have been profoundly saddened to learn of the dreadful destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl across the Caribbean. Above all, we send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of those who have so cruelly lost their lives.
'I have seen the extraordinary spirit of resilience and solidarity that people across the Caribbean have shown in response to such destruction - a spirit which has been called upon 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 most difficult of times, please know that our most special thoughts and prayers are with all those whose lives, livelihoods and property have been so utterly devastated.'
Hurricane Beryl has battered several islands in the Caribbean, most recently Jamaica, killing at least eight people.
Almost every home has been destroyed or badly damaged on Union Island in the Grenadines, where officials say the storm has caused 'immense destruction'.
King Charles remains head of state in St Vincent and the Grenadines, as well Grenada, which has also been badly hit, and Jamaica.
No storm has reached Beryl's level of intensity so early in the hurricane season, which runs from June until November.
The King's message comes after it was confirmed that the Prince and Princess of Wales had donated privately to the relief effort and continue to follow the impact of the hurricane closely.
