A Royal Fleet Auxiliary disaster relief ship yesterday made her first call on Bermuda as part of her Atlantic patrol duties.

RFA Mounts Bay is deployed to the region as the Royal Navy’s presence in the Caribbean Overseas Territories and Bermuda.

The ship, sent to the region to give support during hurricane season and on anti-drug trafficking duties, was Britain’s first military response to Hurricanes Irma, Jose and Maria.

Mounts Bay will provide logistical support to the Royal Bermuda Regiment and host a presentation on its disaster management capabilities for the Emergency Measures Organisation during its three-day visit.

The Bermuda Sea Cadets and the Bermuda Scouts Association will also tour the ship.

Commanding Officer Captain Steve Norris visited John Rankin, the Governor, and David Burt, the Premier.

Mr Rankin said he had seen the ships’s “invaluable” work in the Caribbean during the recent hurricanes.

He added: “I have no doubt her presence in the affected areas in the immediate aftermath of the recent storms saved lives for which we are all eternally grateful.”

Mr Rankin said: “Thankfully, Mounts Bay visits us in calmer conditions and her visit provides a great opportunity for the sharing of experiences and capabilities between our own Emergency Measures Organisation and that of the RFA Mounts Bay itself.

“This can only help strengthen preparations should such extreme weather conditions befall Bermuda in the future.”