Royal Marine describes moment UK troops hunted escaped prisoners on island devastated by Hurricane Irma

Relief effort: Lance Corporal Steven Cronin
Royal Marines
Fiona Simpson16 September 2017

A Royal Marine who rushed emergency aid to Caribbean islands devastated by Hurricane Irma has told how troops and Met Police officers hunted prisoners who escaped a damaged jail.

Lance Corporal Steven Cronin was given just two hours’ notice before being flown to the British Virgin Islands via Barbados when the strongest storm in 80 years slammed into the Caribbean.

Irma claimed 28 lives and left thousands homeless as it rolled across the islands before slamming into Florida last Saturday.

Lance Corporal Cronin told the Standard that troops were forced to form a barricade around the perimeter wall of a prison Tortola after inmates began to “come and go as they pleased”.

He said: “There was a lot of fear. The residents were feeling very uneasy and we were there to stabilise it.

Lance Corporal Steven Cronin delivers aid to hurricane hit families
Royal Marines

“There was looting and prisoners were coming and going as they pleased so we worked with officers from the Met to restore order and return convicts to their cells.”

The 28-year-old who grew up in Camden, north London, said troops formed a ring around the perimeter fence of the damaged prison and searched cells for contraband.

Images from a Royal Marine helicopter show devastation caused by Irma
Royal Marines

“It was a Met-based operation but we searched the cells for banned items that had come from outside and got that out of there.

“We helped to put the prison back in order.”

Troops deliver aid packages to Irma victims
Royal Marines

The Marine, who has been serving for two years, also spoke of the destruction caused to the lives to those hit by the hurricane and praised the “worthwhile” work of British troops.

He added: “When we touched down it was like nothing you’ve ever seen. I couldn’t believe my eyes.

“We were given two hours to pack and fly out so you weren’t prepared.

“People are living in devastation; their houses have no roofs, no windows and no doors.”

“We’ve seen the worst hit areas, delivered essentials like nappies, medication and food to families all living in one living room.

“It’s so worthwhile. You join the Marines and obviously you want to go into combat but this is just as important, maybe better.

UK Armed Forces respond to Hurricane Irma - In pictures

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“There’s not a grey area, you’re just doing good work.”

The UK pledged long-term support for those hit by Irma and set aside £32 million to help fund the relief effort.

More than 500 British troops were deployed to the British Virgin Islands alongside 16 Met Police officers to take aid victims.

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