A new police boat, the 32ft Boston whaler Heron 3, has joined the existing fleet of six vessels on patrol in Bermuda waters.

Its 27ft predecessor was taken out of service in December after a survey concluded that the 18-year-old vessel’s hull had failed beyond repair.

The new boat was purpose built by Brunswick Commercial Government Products Ltd in the United States, and equipped with two Evinrude 300HP G2 outboard engines obtained through the local dealership, Bermuda Marine and Supply. Its total cost of $245,000 came out of this year’s capital budget allocated to the Bermuda Police Service.

Heron 3 has been fitted with police markings, and will be highly visible while on patrol inshore and in offshore territorial water.

Michael DeSilva, the Commissioner of Police, called it a welcome addition to the small current fleet.

Many of the present boats are “ageing considerably and coming close to the end of their operational life”.

“It will be a significant asset to help maintain our presence on the water, to police significant maritime events during the summer, and to contribute to the national effort of search and rescue response,” Mr DeSilva said.