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WINCHED TO SAFETY

Brit tourist’s relief after being rescued from hurricane-stricken Caribbean island by US Air Force – as our troops arrive in British Virgin Islands to help begin major clean-up

Nearly 500 British soldiers and a Royal Air Force Puma helicopter have been deployed on the devastated Caribbean islands

A BRITISH tourist caught in the destructive path of Hurricane Irma says he is "thankful" to the US Air Force who saved him - as UK's Royal Air Force sends nearly 500 troops to assist with recovery in hurricane-hit Caribbean.

Alex Woolfall was on holiday on the battered Caribbean island of St Martin when the historic storm struck.

Alex Woolfall, a British holidaymaker who was on St Martin island when it took a direct hit from the hurricane, was rescued by the US Air Force
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Alex Woolfall, a British holidaymaker who was on St Martin island when it took a direct hit from the hurricane, was rescued by the US Air ForceCredit: PA:Press Association
A startling NASA image of Hurricane Irma making landfall
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A startling NASA image of Hurricane Irma making landfallCredit: Handout - Getty

The PR consultant, from London, went on Twitter to post updates as gale-force winds hammered the Westin Hotel, where he was sheltering in a concrete stairwell.

He wrote: "My God this noise! It's like standing behind a jet engine!! Constant booms & bangs. At least concrete stairwell not moving"

Mr Woolfall said he was airlifted to safety in Puerto Rico by a military plane as powerful Hurricane Jose was approaching.

"I am just tired but very thankful to be here," he told the Press Association after his rescue.

"I think probably all those on vacation would say it was a nightmare but it's over for us.

"What about the people of St Martin and the other islands? I just hope the aid and support they need comes."

nearly 500 British troops have been deployed in the Caribbean to help with the post-hurricane clean-up
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nearly 500 British troops have been deployed in the Caribbean to help with the post-hurricane clean-upCredit: PA:Press Association
As well as troops, the Ministry of Defence says the Royal Air Force delivered a Puma helicopter to help the devastated islands
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As well as troops, the Ministry of Defence says the Royal Air Force delivered a Puma helicopter to help the devastated islandsCredit: PA:Press Association
Police Commissioner Michael Mathews briefing British soldiers on the current situation across the islands
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Police Commissioner Michael Mathews briefing British soldiers on the current situation across the islandsCredit: PA:Press Association

Mr Woolfall described the devastation on the island after Irma hit.

"It's very badly damaged and it's heart-breaking to see people whose homes have been destroyed sitting outside in the street, especially when you see young children too."

Mr Woolfall said local hotel staff continued coming to work, despite the damage to their own property, while the manager worked tirelessly to arrange planes.

"I found that astonishing and very moving," he added.

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The Royal Air Force deployed a Puma helicopter and nearly 500 British troops to the US Virgin Islands to assist with humanitarian efforts after Hurricane Irma ravaged the Caribbean islands.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said the relief operation was "well under way" in the region popular with holidaymakers from the UK.

But Britons still in the path of the historic storm are being warned the "situation could deteriorate significantly" as it bears down on the US mainland.

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