Mauritian Waters to Have Own Offshore Patrol Vessel in 2014
The commanding officer of the vessel, Captain Ajay Kumar Agarwal was speaking during a press meeting in Port Louis Harbour on Thursday.
“The main objective of INS Brahmaputra being in Mauritian waters is to reinforce the deterrence against piracy and illegal fishing,” the officer said.
The ship also visited the outer islands of Agalega on December 10 to embark the National Coast Guard (NCG) personnel for joint operations and will be providing support to Saint Brandon and Rodrigues as well.
Speaking to The Independent, commissioner of Police Dhun Iswar Rampersad said: “The NCG will be receiving a state-of-the-art Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) in 2014 to ensure the security in the EEZ.
The OPV which is currently under construction will also participate in anti-piracy, anti-smuggling, anti-narcotics and illegal fishing operations in the EEZ.”
The $58.5-million, 75-metre-long vessel, will have the endurance of over 5,000 nautical miles in order to carry out sustained operations for approximately four weeks at sea at a time.
The vessel will also be fitted with a close-range naval gun and an optical Fire Control System as well as the most advanced Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.
The OPV will be able to carry a light helicopter, rigid hull inflatable board, landing craft vehicle and a rubber inflatable boat.
