Strong-willed Royal Navy sailors have begun supporting residents hit by Hurricane Melissa.

The ferocious category five storm swept across the Caribbean last week, bringing destruction in its wake. Wind speed of up to 185mph submerged towns underwater, destroyed hospitals, and left thousands homeless.

As of November 5, the confirmed death toll has climbed to 75 people in the region, including 32 in Jamaica. Personnel aboard the Portsmouth-based warship HMS Trent, deployed to the Caribbean to relieve HMS Medway, have begun their work supporting citizens impacted by the cyclone - the strongest to ever hit Jamaica.

Heartbroken sailors spoke of their pride in supporting those impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, after Portsmouth-based HMS Trent was deployed to the region. Pictured: Black River residents are scavenging for food on the streets of Black River following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. | RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images

placeholder image — Heartbroken sailors spoke of their pride in supporting those impacted by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, after Portsmouth-based HMS Trent was deployed to the region. Pictured: Black River residents are scavenging for food on the streets of Black River following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, in Santa Cruz, St Elizabeth, Jamaica on October 29, 2025. | RICARDO MAKYN/AFP via Getty Images

HMS Trent near Jamaica as her sea boats prepare to land following Hurricane Melissa. | Royal Navy

Currently stationed in Falmouth, a cruise port on the north of the island, sailors are helping to repair the damage. Expert engineers from 24 Commando Royal Engineer’s Crisis Response Troop have also been deployed.

Sub-Lieutenant Robin Blyth, Royal Naval Reserve, is among the unit and said supporting people impacted by natural disasters is one of the reasons why he joined the force. “When we stepped ashore, we were heartbroken to see the damage that Melissa has caused,” he added.

“However, we were equally inspired by the resilience shown by everyone we met. It means a great deal that we were invited to help. For most of us, this is precisely the sort of operation we joined to do. Jamaica is part of our Commonwealth family, something we all feel very strongly about, and when family member needs help, we all wanted to be there to give our support.”

HMS Trent’s arrival comes after the UK announced a wider package of support to Jamaica, including over 3,000 shelter kits and over 1,500 solar powered lanterns to help those whose homes have been damaged and those without power. A specialist FCDO Rapid Deployment Team is also in Jamaica to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals.

The River-class offshore patrol vessel has two rigid inflatable Zodiac boats, to rapidly move support teams and quadbikes ashore. They’re also equipped with drones for reconnaissance missions. The Jamaican government requested HMS Trent’s support - while she was previously stationed at the Turks and Caicos Islands - as Hurricane Melissa caused devastation to the equivalent of one third of the country’s GDP.

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Crew from HMS Trent taking stock of the situation in Jamaica after it was hit by Hurricane Melissa. | Royal Navy

Speaking after the ship arrived on Monday, Lieutenant Commander Paul Kilbride Royal Navy, Executive Officer - in temporary command of HMS Trent - said: “HMS Trent, upon the request of the Jamaican Government, landed our Crisis Response Troop ashore to provide disaster relief in Falmouth, Jamaica.

“Our team from 24 Commando Royal Engineers brings a wide range of specialist skills, for fixing infrastructure and repairing damage. In partnership with the Jamaican Defence Force and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, we aim to provide a tangible benefit to Falmouth over the coming days.

"The Troop have spent the day on the ground, surveying the area to see how we can best help. We have been asked to give special attention to Falmouth Hospital, where we delivered water."