Ruling the Caribbean Seas
The RFA Wave Ruler is hard to miss. The 640-foot Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessel dominates Sir Francis Drake Channel when it visits the British Virgin Islands. I first visited the vessel two years ago as a reporter for the BVI Beacon newspaper. In October, I once again visited the vessel as a property and yachting magazine editor. And while the massive ship may not be the ideal racing or charter boat, its presence in the territory represents the naval tradition of the United Kingdom.
Wave Ruler spends most of the year in the Caribbean, looking out for the five British Overseas Territories almost like a big brother looks after his younger siblings. Its main objective is to provide the region’s OTs with assistance during the hurricane season—but it has proved its capabilities are far more diverse. The big brother figure is well capable of beating up on a menacing bully. On any given day, the boat could double as a drug interceptor, or diplomatic cruiser assisting other nations like Haiti in a time of crisis.
Previously, the RFA vessel was accompanied by a Royal Navy warship. But since significant defense spending cuts, Wave Ruler now combs the Caribbean waters on a solo mission, performing multiple duties. But this doesn’t make the vessel any less capable or the Caribbean OTs any more vulnerable. The vessel holds 122 Britons, 19 of which are trained Royal Navy officers. I asked the boat’s First Officer Phil Ponsford about the significance of Wave Ruler’s presence in the Caribbean, to which he reaffirmed the crew’s meaningful tasks at sea and on land.
“Our job out here is incredibly important,” he said. “We have an obligation to look after our five OTs, so you can understand how important it is for us to be here.”
Wave Ruler has the ability to produce 400 tons of potable water per day; it has enough emergency housing to provide for more than 20,000; it has enough repair equipment to feasibly repair a downed an airport in 24 hours; and, most awesomely, it comes equipped with two 30-millimeter anti aircraft cannons and two massive gatling guns.
“This really is the perfect vessel,” the Royal Navy officer said, “because you can take lots of supplies, carry lots of people—lots of lift capability—we’ve got two helicopters. It’s really perfect for the job.”
Asked about some of the drug busts the crew has been a part of, officer Ponsford kept quiet.
“Yeah, we’ve done plenty,” he said with a smirk. “But that’s all I can say.”
Wave Ruler often partners with the United States Coast Guard to intercept would-be drug delivery boats from reaching their targets—many headed for Virgin Islands waters.
This hurricane season, Wave Ruler assisted the Turks and Caicos Islands after Hurricane Irene trounced the area with category two winds and rain. With their helicopters, they surveyed the area and transported the governor to Provincials, Bahamas. From there they organized and surveyed the situation. They then assisted residents who had significant roof damage and were in distress after floods doused the area. If the situation was worse, Wave Ruler could hypothetically provide residents with enough housing on the vessel and through makeshift shelters, and with water and food, to provide every person in TCI—or BVI for that matter—with significant relief. Pretty cool, huh? How’s that for a not-so-ordinary boat story about a not-so-ordinary boat?
