New Coast Guard boats leave Australia for T&T

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With illegal migration, drugs and human trafficking remaining a threat to T&T, the Coast Guard (TTCG) fleet should have a boost by next month.

In a media release yesterday, the Ministry of National Security announced that two Cape-class vessels: the TTS Port-of-spain (CG41) and TTS Scarborough (CG42), left the Port of Henderson, Australia on Tuesday.

The BBC Rushmore, a heavy lift ship, transported the vessels, built by Australian shipbuilder Austal Ships Pty Ltd.

The ministry expects the vessels to arrive in six to eight weeks, depending on weather conditions along the route.

“Upon the BBC Rushmore’s arrival to T &T, the two patrol vessels will be offloaded by crane and officially handed over to the Coast Guard. Austal officials will then conduct intense training with the TTCG in preparation for the vessels to join the Coast Guard fleet.”

The vessels are 58 metres in length and built with specifications to suit the TTCG’s unique requirements.

“This addition will strengthen the capabilities of the TTCG in conducting a wide range of operational activities, including border security, search and rescue, protection of critical energy infrastructure, as well as counter-trafficking and will further secure this country’s borders and enhance our national security landscape,” the statement said.

Minister of National Security Fitzgerald Hinds expressed his pleasure with the development and said he lookrd forward to the positive impact of these vessels in the service of T&T.