Navy crewmembers load HMCS Toronto with supplies at HMC Dockyard yesterday as the frigate prepares to leave for the Gulf of Mexico. (Photo: Jeff Harper)

Military watching for new storms as ships head for Gulf of Mexico

Keeping an eye on the sky
 
By Chris Lambie
The Daily News

HMCS Ville de Quebec �?Canadian ships steaming toward the Gulf of Mexico are paying close attention to hurricanes.

One hurricane and another tropical storm are headed well north of the task group.

But another tropical storm off the coast of Florida may cause some problems.

“We’re going to keep an eye on that one,�?said Cpl. Pat Fortin, a meteorological technician on HMCS Ville de Quebec.

Fortin keeps tabs on the hurricanes forming over warm water. He reports any changes to the ship’s captain.

Fortin doesn’t expect a hurricane will get in the way as the ships stick to the coast. But such a massive storm could make the trip unpleasant, with strong winds and high seas.

While the motion of the ocean was quite pleasant last night, Canadian sailors will soon feel the effect of hurricanes that are already passing to the north.

Waves are expected to be two metres high today and increase to three metres by tonight.

“Most people are sick in the first two days because they’re not use to it,�?Fortin said.

“But it’s nothing to worry about.�?

The Ville de Quebec’s crew saw lots of dirty weather during a set of exercises last year in southern waters.

“For about two months we were dodging hurricanes left and right,�?said Chief Petty Officer (1st Class) Raymond Cote, the ship’s coxswain.

“I don’t think you ever get used to it. But that’s the time of the year.�?

If they do get a major storm, it will be new to Ville de Quebec’s senior meteorological technician.

“It’s my first time on a ship,�?said Sgt. Yves Wiseman.

“I’ve done land and air, and this is my first trip (at sea). I just got here about a week ago.�?

Lots of people on the crew recommend seasickness tablets to overcome nausea.

“If I get too sick, I’m going to take the pills,�?Wiseman said.