The Fisheries division of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has acquired a new RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to increase its patrolling capacity.
Fisheries Minister Phil Gawne took delivery of the RIB, dubbed 'Enbarr', which will be deployed to increase the range of fisheries enforcement and environmental monitoring that the Department can undertake.
Prior to the launch of the RIB from the deck of the patrol vessel Barrule, Minister Gawne said 'I am very pleased to see the launch of a second DAFF vessel that will lower operating costs and reduce the Department’s carbon footprint, whilst simultaneously allowing us to increase our operational efficiency. Enbarr can operate entirely independently of the Barrule throughout the whole of the Territorial Sea, with a top speed of over 40 knots.'
The arrival of Enbarr (named after the mythical steed of Manannan) will give the Department the ability to undertake simultaneous patrols of the Manx Territorial Sea, or free up officers to conduct shore or other checks when the RIB is on patrol. Enbarr will also be able to operate with just two crew, and will be a valuable platform for the growing range of environmental and scientific carried out by the Department.
