The ‘Fast interceptor boat’ which was brought to the Marine Police Station at Manalmelkudi a couple of months ago, has been put to use for ensuring effective surveillance in the coastal region of the district.
A few works on technical strengthening of the boat were taken up after the imported boat was brought to Manalmelkudi from the United States in April. The technical programmes included fitting up of mikes and air-conditioning of the cabin.
The boat estimated at an expenditure of Rs.2.5 crore has twin engines each of 500 Horsepower capacity. It can be operated at a speed of 45 nautical mile per hour. However, it is presently operated only at a maximum speed of 35 nautical mile per hour now, with a view to ensuring its compatibility on technical grounds.
The 20-seater capacity boat, has several equipment including the global positioning system, radars, night vision and a bullet-proof enclosure. It has an air-conditioned cabin besides a provision for attaching a machine gun. A toilet is another facility.
S. Amsavalli, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Coastal Security Group, Pattukottai Zone, told 'The Hindu' on Sunday that the boat would be utilised for keeping surveillance on strangers and suspicious boats. The boat would help the personnel to act swiftly in case of emergency. Magesh, Inspector of Police, Coastal Security Group, said that the VHF (Channel 16) at the boat was an additional facility for an immediate contact with the state police, Coast Guard and other surveillance personnel. "We can alert the police, even while chasing a stranger on the sea," he said.
The equipment at the boat can ascertain the depth of the sea at a given place.
The Marine Police Station at Adhirampattinam in Thanjavur district has been sanctioned a 5-tonne boat
costing Rs.1.05 crore recently. Last year, the station at Sethubavachathiram in Thanjavur district and Tiruppunvasal in Pudukottai district got the 12 tonne and 5 tonne boat respectively, Ms. Amsavalli added.
