Canadian frigate in Caribbean seeks safe site as Hurricane Maria nears

HMCS St. John's and its 220 crew members are being forced to leave a humanitarian mission inTurks and Caicos as another hurricane approaches the already devastated Caribbean islands.

Hurricane Maria, following on the path of Hurricanes Irma and Jose, is strengthening as it heads toward the Caribbean and Atlantic coast.

• HMCS St. John's ready to provide humanitarian aid after hurricane

"We're keeping a close eye on the movement of now-Hurricane Maria, which will arrive here in the next 72 to 96 hours or so. Unfortunately, when that gets into the area, we'll have to depart the island to stay out of its path and avoid getting ourselves damaged by this storm,"said Lt.FrancoisBelanger, who spoke to CBC NewsMondayfrom aboard the ship.

"So it's likely we'll be proceeding towardthe southwest, outside of its path. But where we're going to go is not known at this time."

Crew members have been providing manpower to clear up debris and help repair damage to buildings on the islands. On Monday, ateam of Canadian military personnel was repairing aschool on SouthCaicosisland.

• Hurricane Irma slams Turks and Caicos, with death and destruction in its wake

Plumbing and electrical skills are in high demand, Belanger said.

However, the biggest challenge has been making the island's salt water desalination plant operational again following the damage it sustained during Irma, hesaid.

"The wide knowledge of technical expertise that we provide as a warship was definitely welcome, especially at the salt water desalination plant," Belanger said.

The plant on South Caicosis expected to beback up and running within 24 to 36 hours, he said, addingHMCSSt. John's can alsoproduce drinkable water.

Every night, the ship goes out about 12 kilometres and desalinates sea water, producinghundreds of litres of drinking water, Belanger said. Crew then fillwater bladders and transport the drinking water ashore daily by helicopter.

Belanger saidthe frigate may return to the Britisharchipelagoafter Maria has passed through.

That depends on a number of factors, includingwhetherHMCSSt. John's is required to help out inanother, more severely damaged area, he said.