UK Takes Delivery of New Coastguard Boats

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency has taken delivery of four new boats from Vosper Thorneycroft Halmatic for use around the United Kingdom coastline. Delivered so are a general purpose support vessel to the Isles of Scilly and three Artic 22 rigid inflatable boats (RIB) to Holyhead, Hull and St Andrews in Scotland. The support vessel can reach speeds of more than 30 knots, and will be used to reach the smaller harbors and inlets in the Isles of Scilly and in Cornwall. The Artic 22 rigid inflatable boats can also reach speeds of more than 30 knots due to its twin 90hp outboard engines. These vessels are not designed at rescue vessels but will be used on a variety of tasks on a regional basis. Later this year four Pacific 32 cabin vessels powered by twin Yanmar inboard diesels to drive Hamilton waterjets are being delivered for use in Southampton, Oban (2) and in Cardiff.