Humberside Police: new boat launched to help tackle crime
The marine team will patrol waters across the force area
Last updated 25th May 2022
Humberside Police has launched a new boat to help tackle crime.
It took more than two years in the making, but the Marine Team have a new state-of-the-art vessel to patrol rivers, coastline and ports across the region, as well as supporting other emergency services and partners.
Named ‘Galene’ after the Greek Goddess of the calm seas, it is the largest of its kind in the Force, complementing the fleet of vessels the team currently have access to for Marine patrolling and Underwater Search.
Marine Inspector Al Harvey spoke about what you can expect to see from the team:
"With enhanced capabilities from the new boat, we will continue to carry out high visibility patrols across the Rivers Ouse, Trent and Humber preventing criminals from taking advantage of our waterways. When necessary, Galene’s enhanced range will even allow it to venture into the North Sea.
"Reaching speeds of 40 knots (46mph), and with a range of up to 400 miles, our new boat is a valuable and adaptable asset.
"The majority of marine traffic is safe and lawful, but we stand ready and able to tackle criminals who do use the water to transport drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods, or deliver people illegally into the UK. Where required our specially trained officers can pilot Galene to intercept other vessels.
"We can also use Galene to transport officers and resources (such as our firearms teams) to ensure we have the right resource in the right place at the right time. Where necessary we will also use our new boat to help officers board other suspicious vessels, even ones larger than Galene"
There will be a full time Sergeant, one Specials Sergeant and four police officers who have all undertaken coxswains training to be able to operate the boat.
‘Galene’ is larger than other vessels, meaning the boat can accommodate three officers and seven passengers. Depending on the nature of the incident the team need to attend - the full capacity is ten people.
There is state-of-the-art electronic navigation on board, and the right equipment to recover people from the water where necessary.