Royal Navy ship tracks hurricane

The hurricane is heading towards the Cayman Islands and Mexico

A Devonport-based frigate is one of two Royal Navy vessels tracking Hurricane Dean in the Caribbean.

HMS Portland is part of the Royal Navy's Atlantic Patrol (North) which supports British dependent territories during the hurricane season.

The Type 23 frigate is being supported by RFA Wave Ruler - a fast fleet tanker capable of refuelling warships at sea.

Hurricane Dean is a category four storm with winds gusting up to 145mph (230km/h). It has claimed six lives.

Fishermen rescued

The storm left a trail of damage in Jamaica and has struck Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula near the border with Belize.

Earlier this month HMS Portland rescued two fishermen who had run out of food and water after being stranded on their broken down vessel for more than 24 hours.

The ship had been on a routine anti-narcotics patrol around St Lucia.

It is due to return to Plymouth at the end of the year.