GSL delivers interceptor boat to Goa Marine Police
HERALD REPORTER
VASCO, MAY 19
As part of an initiative of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to strengthen the coastal security, Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) delivered a High Speed Interceptor Boat (HSIB) to the Goa Marine Police on Wednesday.
This is the third in the series of six 12-tonne boats allotted for the State and till date, a total of five boats have been allotted, including two 5-tonne boats.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar Srivastava flagged off the 12-tonne category boat built by GSL in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director of GSL Rear Adm (Retd) Vineet Bakhshi, DIG R Yadav, SP South Allan D’Sa, Captain of Ports A Mascarenhas, officials from Marine police and GSL.
Ministry of Home and Affair has entrusted with responsibility to GSL to build 116 HSIB to strengthen the coastal security in western coast states (Goa, Gujarat, Maharastra, Karnataka and Kerala) and union territories (Lakshadeep and Daman and Diu).
The 12T boat is 13mtrs long capable of operating at 35 knots on full load. The boat can carry four crew members along with a patrol party of 16 persons and fully equipped with life saving, fire fighting and communication facilities.
The wheel house of these boats is fitted with ballistic panels for protection of patrolling crew to withstand a threat of an AK47 assault rifle at 10 meter range, while its powerful equipment will make search and chase easier for marine policemen as it can outperform any small vessel with its high speed and superb maneuverability.
Speaking to reporters, GSL CMD Bakhshi informed that GSL has ensured delivery of 66 HSIBs to various states and union territories, of which 32 are of the 5-tonne category and 34 are of the 12-tonne category.
“The delivery rate is one boat per week and GSL is well on schedule in delivery time. HSIB are the one of the finest boats in the world in their class, considering various features,” added Bakhshi.
The chief secretary expressed gratitude to the GSL for delivering boat on schedule to the Goa Marine Police to strengthen the coastal security.
