Tasmania Police is pleased to welcome the PV Cape Wickham into its fleet of marine search and rescue vessels, Tasmania Police say.
The PV Cape Wickham – which takes its name from the picturesque cape on King Island – is a 23.95m vessel equipped with world class marine search and rescue technology.
As part of Tasmania Police’s celebratory year of 100 Years of Women in Policing the new vessel will be christened by Constable Fiona Russell who is a member of the marine unit based on King Island.
Commissioner Darren Hine said:
"As part of our celebrations of 100 Years of Women in Policing it’s only fitting that our new vessel – named after a picturesque part of King Island – is christened by one of our outstanding members of the marine and rescue unit from King Island.
"The PV Cape Wickham is a modern and technically upgraded version of our tried, tested and loved PV Van Diemen.
"Tasmania Police’s first class marine and rescue service is now even better equipped for marine rescues, fisheries enforcement and protection of State marine resources," he said.
The PV Cape Wickham has world class search and rescue systems including a forward looking infrared (FLIR) capability to search in darkness, thermal detection capability and seafloor search and 3D mapping capability.
A high speed rigid hull inflatable can be quickly launched and retrieved from the vessel which allows even greater access to the coastline.
"I’d also like to thank the boat builder, Fine Entry Marine, for working with us so closely and producing such a quality boat," Commissioner Hine said.
- The addition of the PV Cape Wickham brings the total of vessels around the state to 34. The vessels are a variety of sizes for different purposes.
- The new PV Cape Wickham and the PV Van Diemen are the largest vessels at 23.95m and 22.7m respectively. Both are based in Hobart where demand is highest for bigger vessels.
- Tas Police has conducted 324 search and rescue (air and/or sea) operations from July 1 to May 31, 2017
- 5, 757 vessel patrol hours have been performed from July 1 to May 31, 2017.
- The PV Cape Wickham has two diesel motors of 1800hp.
- The PV Cape Wickham can perform patrols and rescues out to 200nm (370km) from Tasmania’s coastline
- The PV Cape Wickham is operated by a 5-person crew.
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