Revi, a French Navy Ship is the first to arrive in Nuku'alofa to assist in transporting much needed supplies to Niuatoputapu following the tsunami disaster that struck the island on Wednesday, September 30.

The ship is expected to depart for Niuatoputapu tomorrow afternoon with 2,500 meal ready and transporting cargo such as water, food, clothing, and shelter equipment.

Lieutenant de Vaisseau Thierry Jaouen said upon arriving in Nuku'alofa this morning, they were en route from Noumea on their first Goodwill Visit to Tonga.

On their way they were contacted by the French Ambassador in Fiji about Tonga's request for assistance to transport much needed supplies to the outer island of Niuatoputapu.

The French Government approved the request and they are happy to be here to help Tonga and the tsunami victims in the outer island, said the Lieutenant.

Based in Papeete, the high tow ship is 1,500 tonnes with 30 officers consisting only of two women. It has a speed of 14.5kts with up to 5,000 mileages and has onboard a crane and water canon.

Its capabilities include towing in high seas, transporting equipment and can retrieve underwater valuable parcels and buoys.

At this stage it has not been confirmed when they will depart back to Pape'ete since their goodwill visit has been diverted into assisting Operation Niuatoputapu.