New patrol boat baptised

 

Their Serene Highnesses, the Sovereign Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, accompanied by their children, HSH the Crown Prince Jacques and HSH Princess Gabriella, attended the blessing by Monseigneur David of the Maritime and Airport Police Division’s new patrol boat called the Princesse Gabriella. 

  

Princess Gabriella released the cord that held a bottle of brittle nougatine, which broke against the hull as tradition dictates. The harbour filled with the sound of sirens and fog horns from boats greeting the baptism, before the flag was hoisted as a trumpeter played the national anthem. The ceremony ended with a tour of the boat by the Royal family.  

  

With a length of 24m and 5.6m beam, the 60-tonner can do 30 knots when fully loaded and is equipped with two radars, satellite link, 400kg crane, fire-fighting system and a gun on the prow. Her arrival will enhance the DPMA’s operational capability and optimise port surveillance and rescue at sea.  

 

©Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali et Michael Alesi