Making waves: Launch of new high-tech police boat ‘Galene’

‘ENHANCES OUR CAPABILITY’: Superintendent Lee Edwards. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

By Simon Bristow

Humberside Police’s marine capability has just received a major boost with the launch of a new boat to spearhead its existing fleet.

Funded by the Home Office, the new state-of-the art vessel enables the force to greatly increase its ability to police the extensive marine environment it covers, including rivers, coastline, and ports.

Sitting proudly in its current berth in Hull Marina today, the vessel has been named Galene after the Greek Goddess of calm seas.

But whether they are calm or not, Galene will take them all in her stride, with her powerful diesel engines and responsive steering giving remarkable agility for a boat of its size.

Galene has a 12.5-metre hull, a range of 400 nautical miles, and a top speed of 40 knots (46mph) - numbers that will give pause for thought for criminals, and reassurance for those in need of assistance.

FAST AND AGILE: The new Humberside Police boat Galene. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

She will typically have a crew of three, but full-time the force has a Sergeant, a Specials Sergeant, and four police officers who have all undertaken coxswains training to be able to operate her.

The boat can also carry firearms officers and has boarding capability of larger vessels. An example of how much Galene has improved the force’s response capability is that should specialist officers need quickly deploying to the south bank of the Humber, she can quickly transport them across the water in the event of traffic issues such as the closure of the Humber Bridge.

Superintendent Lee Edwards, who leads the Special Operations Unit, said: “The important thing to remember when looking at the marine environment is that we have the same responsibility as on land.

“So that’s prevention of crime and disorder, tackling antisocial behaviour, as well as preparedness for any sort of threat such as terrorism.

“It just enhances the existing capability we have already. A lot of people underestimate the sheer size of the inner coastal areas Humberside Police covers, whether that’s the coastline, port areas or rivers.

RANGE: Galene can cover 400 miles. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

“It’s about different capabilities for different circumstances, and it’s a lovely bit of kit.”

Galene is also poised to tackle other issues, from drug-smuggling to people-smuggling, and its crew can be instantly patched in to other agencies, such as UK Border Force, and the coastguard through the force’s new control centre in Melton.

She will also be undertaking high visibility patrols across the rivers Ouse, Trent, and Humber, and can venture into the North Sea.

Marine Inspector Al Harvey said: “The majority of marine traffic is safe and lawful, but we stand ready and able to tackle criminals who do use the water to transport drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods, or deliver people illegally into the UK.

“Where required our specially trained officers can pilot Galene to intercept other vessels. 

“We can also use Galene to transport officers and resources, such as our firearms teams, to ensure we have the right resource in the right place at the right time. Where necessary, we will also use our new boat to help officers board other suspicious vessels, even ones larger than Galene.”

STATE-OF-THE-ART: Inside Galene. Picture by Tom Arran Commercial Photography

He added: “Galene is significantly larger than our other vessels, meaning the boat can accommodate three officers and seven passengers as well any equipment needed.

“Depending on the nature of the incident the team are deployed to, numbers on board can vary, but at full capacity Galene can carry up to ten people.

“We are pleased to have some very impressive facilities on board including a state-of-the-art electronic navigation.

“This new technology will enhance our capabilities to operate in a marine environment. The boat is also supplied with equipment that enables us to recover people from our waters where necessary, all of which underlines our ongoing commitment to keeping the waterways of Humberside safe and secure.”

Galene is also equipped with the traditional blue lights and a “very loud” siren.