British naval ship the HMS Mersey came to port this week to support the commemoration of the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday April 21, 2016 in addition to being in the region to support the British Overseas Territories and engage nations throughout the Caribbean and South America. Photo: VINO

Demonstrating how the guns work! Photo: VINO

Navigating Officer Lt Lucy Robus and Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Richard Hewitt. Photo: VINO

Some of the ship's artillery. Photo: VINO

A fast boat to support drug interdictions. Photo: VINO

The crew of the HMS Mersey marched alongside the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations in Thursday April 21, 2016. Photo: VINO

Media operatives on Friday April 22, 2016 were given a brief tour of the ship and its officers explained why it was they were here and the many tasks that have been assigned to the ship.

One of the functions of the relatively small naval vessel is its operations in drug surveillance in the region in collaboration with the United States Coast Guard.

Speaking with reporters, Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Richard Hewitt said the vessel was part of a drug operation which took place a few weeks ago.

“We worked with our coalition partners the US and Canadians who carried out the interdiction and then we were there to transport  the interdicted drugs to a safe place.” 

“We were part of a coalition ...we all worked together...whilst being away from the UK since leaving in January this year and in that time we have also had a presence in disrupting drug trafficking activities while at sea and whilst we didn't recover the narcotics in those two instances we've certainly had an effect,” he said. 

The ship is described as an offshore patrol vessel 80 metres in length, 13 metres wide, 1,900 tonnes with a top speed of 21 knots. It has a crew of 48, 8 of which are US Coast Guard personnel.

In addition to narcotics operations, the ship is engaged in disaster relief and throughout its deployment will be on standby to assist with disaster relief operations, carrying emergency relief stores including food and water. There is a doctor, along with a medical team, among the crew.

The ship has the ability to make ten tonnes of fresh water per day and is able to embark shipping containers of aid and equipment if required, using her own crane.

The crew of the HMS Mersey marched alongside the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force during the Queen’s 90th birthday celebrations at Festival Grounds in Road Town on Thursday April 21, 2016.