THE Manx Customs patrol boat is heading for warmer seas – after being donated to the government of Sierra Leone.
Patrol vessel Panther, built in 1992, has been in service in Manx waters since 2003, after she was purchased with the proceeds of a joint Isle of Man-UK Customs operation.
But now, following an agreement between the Department of the Environment, Fisheries and Agriculture and the Treasury’s Customs and Excise Division, it has been decided that she is surplus to requirements and its duties will be carried out by the fisheries protection vessel Barrule.
Panther will now sail to Sierra Leone, where she will work in conjunction with the neighbouring country of Liberia carrying out fisheries protection and law enforcement duties in a multi-national project funded by the World Bank.
The vessel will now undergo a refit, funded by the World Bank, to make her ready for tropical waters. The World Bank is funding all operating and maintenance costs for the next two years and is also paying for two island-based marine engineers to be seconded to Sierra Leone for a month each to provide training in routine maintenance. This role will subsequently be taken on by officers from the Royal Navy.
Phil Gawne MHK, chairman of the Overseas Aid Committee, said: ‘I am fully aware of the desperate need the country has for an effective enforcement vessel.
‘Over 100,000 families rely on fishing for both an income, and as their major source of protein, and the activities of illegal industrial trawlers are putting this all at risk.
‘The Isle of Man already has close links with Sierra Leone, one of the poorest countries on earth, and participating in the World Bank project will maximise the benefits that this donation will achieve.’
He added: ‘Secondment of two marine engineers will further build on the links between our countries, and enhance the international reputation we are gaining for good governance of fisheries.’