Super Launch Proves Nemesis As Hunter's Namesake Set For Sale

Newcastle Herald

Monday June 30, 2008

Ben Smee

THE Hunter's largest ocean-going police boat is set to be sold following the delivery of a new super launch to Marine Area Command in Sydney.

The 32-metre police launch Nemesis, the largest police-specific boat in the southern hemisphere, arrived in Sydney on Saturday to fanfare from Premier Morris Iemma and Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione.

But the arrival of the Nemesis will signal the end for Nelson Bay's 22-metre ocean-going launch, also named Nemesis, which police say has become obsolete.

The 16-metre launch Intrepid will be moved to Nelson Bay from its present home at Carrington and an 11-metre harbour class vessel that cannot travel more than 30 nautical miles from the coast will be brought in to fill the shortfall.

The State Government has defended the decision to downgrade the size of the Hunter-based fleet, saying the new launch would be sent to the region when needed.

"Some of the vessels in the water police fleet are being moved around as part of the fleet upgrade but I am assured by the marine area command that it will not diminish the capability of search and rescue operations off Newcastle," Police Minister David Campbell said yesterday.

Ben Smee

© 2008 Newcastle Herald

Back to News Index | Back to Home