The boat will be based in Mangalore under the administrative and operational control of the Commander of the Coast Guard Region (West). It will be deployed for patrolling and rescue operations

Coastal security received a fillip with the Indian Coast Guard commissioning a high-speed interceptor boat here on Wednesday. The boat will be based in Mangalore under the administrative and operational control of the Commander of the Coast Guard Region (West).

It will be deployed for patrolling and rescue operations.

The water jet propelled vessel has an endurance of 500 nautical miles at 20 knots and is capable of touching speeds up to 45 knots, S S Dasila, Commander, Coast Guard Karnataka said on the occasion.

The boat is fitted with state-of-the-art navigation and communication equipment designed for high-speed interception, close-coast patrol, low-intensity maritime operations, search and rescue and maritime surveillance. It is capable of operating in shallow water and deep seas.

“The quick reaction capability coupled with modern equipment and system provides her the capability to respond to any maritime situation,” he said.

It is equipped with infrared system for night surveillance.

The boat – C 448 – has a crew of 12 personnel and is commanded by Assistant Commandant Apoorva Sharma.

T.M. Vijaya Bhasker, Chief Secretary Karnataka, Anand Prakash Badola, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West) and A.V. Ramana, Chairman, New Mangalore Port Trust, were present on the occasion.