Canadian ships miss worst of Ophelia, near Florida

The three Canadian naval ships on their way to the U.S. Gulf Coast were in calm seas Saturday after passing by the worst of Hurricane Ophelia.The ships changed their course to avoid the storm, but Ophelia still pounded the vessels with high winds, heavy rain, and three-metre seas on Friday night.

Saturday afternoon the convoy was within 48 kilometres of the Florida coast.

The Canadian navy ships -- accompanied by U.S.N.S. Patuxent, an American refuelling ship -- are expected to arrive in the Gulf of Mexico by Monday.

The fourth vessel of the convoy -- the coast guard ship, "Sir William Alexander" -- is carrying extra supplies and is a couple of days behind.

Canadian Press reports that Pensacola, Florida, will serve as the primary supply centre for the convoy.

The Canadian ships are expected to ferry tonnes of relief supplies from Pensacola to Mississippi and Louisiana.