Turks and Caicos Islands
GOVERNMENT

(Grand Turk: August 21, 2006)….H.E. the Governor is pleased to announce the return of RFA Wave Ruler to the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) on Monday 21st August. 

RFA Wave Ruler has been invited to the islands to assist the Immigration Department and the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RTCIPF) in combating illegal migration and illegal drug trafficking within TCI. During her stay RFA Wave Ruler will be patrolling the waters of TCI as well as carrying out joint exercises with officers from RTCIPF. 

The Royal Navy currently has RFA Wave Ruler and HMS Iron Duke in the region as part of the commitment by the British Government to assist in securing the safety of the islands but also to assist in contingency planning for any large scale disasters, such as a hurricane. This is the second visit by RFA Wave Ruler this year. A further visit by HMS Iron Duke is scheduled to take place later this year.

RFA Wave Ruler is a fleet tanker, used to refuel and support warships at sea. She is presently carrying a Lynx helicopter and has approximately 100 personnel onboard. She has been in service since 2003. She is 196m long, has a draught of 10m and displaces 31,000 tonnes. She can carry up to 16,900 tonnes of fuel, as well as 915 tonnes of dry stores.