Cuba welcomes RN anti-drug ship

RFA Wave Ruler has been involved in anti-drug operations

A Royal Navy backup ship has visited Cuba for only the second time since the country's revolution 50 years ago.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Wave Ruler docked in Havana Bay on Friday for a five-day stay.

The trip is a courtesy visit, linked to the battle against the illegal drugs trade in the Caribbean.

Senior Cuban anti-narcotics officials boarded the vessel for a series of meetings with the crew about how they can work together in the future.

Co-operation

The tanker has spent much of the past three years in the Caribbean involved in anti-drug running operations and has so far confiscated 13 tonnes of cocaine.

Michael Voss, the BBC's correspondent in Havana, said the vessel was greeted by a Cuban military band playing the popular patriotic song Guantanamera.

Chief officer David Eagles told him that Cubans take the issue of illegal drug-running very seriously, have impressive intelligence and are keen to become more involved.

The crew of RFA Wave Ruler also assisted during the relief operations following the trail of destruction left behind by Hurricane Gustav in the Caribbean in August this year.