Bermuda police go for Austal

Following the recent announcement of Austal being awarded six 16 metre aluminium monohull boats for the Water Police in the Australian state of New South Wales, the same design has found favour with the Bermuda Marine Police Service who has ordered a further vessel.

To be based in Hamilton Harbour for general patrol, search and rescue, dive operations and general assistance to Police departments and Government agencies in Bermuda Territorial Waters, the new boat offers a significant range increase over the current vessel that is soon to be retired.

Designed and built to operate up to 200 nautical miles offshore, the craft has a 400 nautical mile range at a cruising speed of 20 knots and is fitted with a very extensive electronics package in order to fulfill duties as the principal Search and Rescue (SAR) and surveillance authority in the region. Propulsion plant consists of two Caterpillar C12 diesel engines each driving a propeller.