Dorset fire engine - 28 days to reach destination

It may seem like a long time, but there will be no raised eyebrows about this fire engine’s response time.

The engine, donated by Dorset Fire & Rescue Service capacity will set off from Portland on 30 September headed for St Helena, one of the world’s remotest islands and its journey will take about a month.

Kedell Worboys, UK representative for St Helena said: “We are delighted to be receiving this fire engine from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service. Our current engines on the Island don’t have a large water-carrying capacity. This new engine, with its 1800 litre capacity, will be greatly appreciated by the people and government of St Helena.”

Careful planning and consideration has been taken in order to get the engine over to the island as the Royal Mail Ship RMS St Helena, only comes to Portland twice a year and then takes nearly 28 days to travel back to St Helena.

Darran Gunter, Chief Fire Officer of Dorset Fire & Rescue Service commented: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this appliance to the people of St Helena. Dorset Fire & Rescue Service have a rolling replacement programme for our appliances and this replaced engine will now help fire crews of St Helena.”

In addition to the fire engine, other ‘essential’ goods heading back to the island in time for Christmas include windmill blades, 60 live chicks, Christmas cards, gifts and Christmas puddings. Unusual cargo is nothing new for the crew as the ship is a lifeline to the island and brings everything that the residents need, from chocolate and cats to cars and building supplies.

Since the island’s discovery, it has only been accessible by ship. St Helena was deemed secure and remote enough for Napoleon Bonaparte to be exiled to 1815 until his death. Visitors to St Helena say that the 47 square mile island reminds them of the UK in the 1950s with the majority of shops shutting on a Wednesday afternoon, friendly island spirit and red post vans.

For more details about sailings, contact 0207 575 6480 or visit www.rms-st-helena.com