Official launch set for today
Officers of the RCIP’s marine unit – set for an official launch today – got a little taste of early action ahead of the big day.
Officers from the joint RCIP and Customs marine unit on Wednesday afternoon made their first sea rescue since they reformed.
According to a police press release, at a little before 5pm, the 911 emergency communication centre was notified that a small fishing vessel was in trouble in the vicinity of the Gustus Channel, North Sound, off from Pappagallos.
The Typhoon, which is the unit’s ridged inflatable boat, responded with three officers.
The officers gave the 36-year-old fisherman – who had been exposed to the rain – some medical care and a blanket.
They towed the vessel back to Morgan’s Harbour from where the fisherman was collected.
Today, the Governor, Mr. Stuart Jack, Acting Commissioner Rudolph Dixon – standing in for Commissioner Stuart Kernohan, who is off island on official business – along with Customs representatives and others, are set to attend the unit’s official launching, which involves the Cayman Protector.
The launch, according to an RCIP press release, follows a major specialist training programme for officers, administered by Royal Navy experts.
‘This training marked the start of an ongoing development programme of the marine unit which will see officers receive continued specialist training and, over time, additional vessels and surveillance equipment,’ said the release.
Commissioner Mr. Kernohan recently explained to the Caymanian Compass that the unit’s total of 15 officers would provide effective marine patrols, with 24-hour coverage in the fight against such things as drug canoes.
The number would also be reviewed with a view to increasing it in the future as part of the country’s border security issue, he said.
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