By Marina MelloMontpelier Re Holdings posted a second-quarter loss of $23.2 million as the re/insurer faced catastrophe loss events and a completive market.The loss compared to a profit of $65.5 million in the 2012 second quarter.Gross insurance and reinsurance premiums written declined to $242.7 million from $253.5 million in the period ended June 30.The combined ratio was 69 percent in the quarter compared to 76.5 percent in the prior year quarter.Christopher Harris, president and CEO, commented, “In a quarter marked by several industry catastrophe loss events and increasingly competitive market conditions, our insurance teams turned in another strong operating performance.“Both our Bermuda and London platforms produced solid profitability and executed well in the important midyear renewal cycle. We are well positioned to continue executing our focused underwriting and capital management strategy in the second half of 2013.”The net impact of realised and unrealised losses from investments and foreign exchange, which is included in the net loss, was $77 million for the quarter, the company said.The loss ratio for the quarter was 34 percent, which includes $26 million of net losses from known catastrophe events in the quarter, offset by $48 million of favourable prior year loss reserve movements. Net investment income was $17 million and the total return on the investment portfolio was -1.8 percent for the quarter, — 1.1 percent year-to-date.