Devon & Cornwall Police Take Delivery of New Support Boat Neptune

Devon and Cornwall Police have unveiled their latest marine addition, a new Government-funded support boat named Neptune, designed to strengthen safety and security along the coastline.

A Step Up in Marine Capability

The Marine Policing and Underwater Search team has taken delivery of Neptune, a larger and more stable vessel than the inflatable boats currently in use. The new boat provides the Force with an improved ability to respond to calls for service, patrol the coastline in severe weather, and stay at sea longer during operations.

Part of the Home Office’s programme to tackle serious organised crime, Neptune is set to play a vital role in addressing maritime threats such as drug smuggling and organised immigration crime.

Chief Constable James Vaughan said:

“The acquisition of Neptune, thanks to Government funding, has enabled us to take an important step forward in our marine capability and in protecting our coastline and communities.

The boat will give us much greater visibility on the water, and help to deter helping all manner of anti-social behaviour and criminality including organised immigration crime.

That could be anything from the theft of lobster pots right up to counter-terrorism operations and the activities of organised criminal gangs smuggling drugs or people.

Our coast has hundreds of historically important wrecks, some of which are scheduled monuments or war graves. The presence of Neptune will help to protect our heritage by deterring rogue divers from plundering these sites.

As a coastal police Force, we work closely with partners such as the RNLI and HM Coastguard and Neptune will significantly strengthen the part we play in keeping our coastline safe.”

State-of-the-Art Equipment

Neptune comes equipped with advanced marine electronics, including a long-range stabilised infra-red HD camera and a remotely operated underwater drone. These tools will allow officers to conduct searches in more difficult conditions and extend the scope of marine investigations.

The vessel will be used for a variety of tasks such as water searches, tackling anti-social behaviour at sea, transporting specialist officers and equipment, and carrying out reassurance patrols along the coastline.

Sadly, the Force’s dive team is also called each year to help recover victims from hazardous waters, and Neptune will support such sensitive operations by providing greater stability and endurance at sea.

Built on the Isle of Wight

Neptune was built and fitted out by Cheetah Marine. Bas Edmonds, Managing Director of Cheetah Marine, said:

“Cheetah Marine are immensely proud to be handing Neptune over to Devon and Cornwall Police. We hope they will be able to make the most of Neptune over the coming years and Cheetah Marine will be forever proud in supporting Devon and Cornwall Police in achieving their objectives.”