Largs Bay docks in Haiti with supplies

During the journey the crew carried out charity events A Royal Navy ship has arrived in Haiti to help survivors of the earthquake. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Largs Bay set sail from Southampton earlier this month loaded with cargo including food and materials for shelter. Unloading the 16,160-tonne vessel could take up to 14 hours once an assessment is completed in Port-au-Prince. The Largs Bay was deployed on behalf of the Department for International Development, Save the Children and the International Federation of Red Cross. Its cargo includes 5,700 sheets of corrugated iron to build much-needed shelters, 40 vehicles and 15 containers of general stores. Sponsored rowing Commanding officer Captain Ian Johnson said the crew was conscious they would be faced with the rainy season. "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," he said. "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." During the journey, members of the crew and military forces have taken part in a sponsored row on board, raising more than £500 for the charity appeal. Surgeon Lieutenant Jim Watchorn, one of the event's organisers, said: "We wanted to make a personal contribution as well as delivering the aid and it just seemed the right way to spend our spare time on board."