Inauguration of the new rapid response vessel of the Marine and Airport Police

©Direction de la Communication / Stéphane Danna

The new rapid response vessel of the Marine and Airport Police (DPMA), named ‘Saint Georges’, was launched on Wednesday 27 September at Port Hercule in the presence of T.S.H. Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene, Madame Charlotte CASIRAGHI, Patron of the Police Department, H.E. Mr. Pierre DARTOUT, Minister of State, Mr. Patrice CELLARIO, Minister of Interior, Ms. Céline CARON-DAGIONI, Minister of Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development, the General Staff of the Police Department and many distinguished Monegasque, French and Italian guests.

With a view to ensuring that the DPMA always has the most appropriate equipment to carry out its missions, especially as regards rescues at sea, the Prince’s Government decided to replace the previous vessel, “LIBECCIU”, by an equally mobile and fast speedboat but which would be equipped with the latest high-performance technology.

This RAFALE 1000 model, designed by the SILLINGER company, is 10.16m long and 3.32m wide, and can carry up to 12 people on board, at a maximum speed of 45 knots. It is specially fitted to allow space for several victims to be carried lying down in the rear, and has two side accesses to help the divers get back on board more easily.

This new vessel will help reinforce the missions of the Marine Police, and especially their essential function of rescue at sea.