Darien Police Marine Division Places New Vessel In Service

The Darien Police Marine Division placed a new vessel in service this month.  After approximately a year of waiting for it to be built to custom specifications in Bremerton, WA, the 27’ Safeboat Full Cabin Defender arrived in Darien on October 4, 2016.  Powered by twin Evinrude 300 hp motors, the boat has an aluminum hull and a foam collar allowing for “close up” operational work.  Thanks to The Darien Foundation for Technology & Community, the boat is equipped with several electronic components that will ensure the safety of the officers while performing their duties and allowing a more efficient response to emergencies on the water.  Some of the boat’s features include:

•          Roof mounted and stabilized FLIR (forward looking infrared)
•          Down Vision and Side Scan Sonar
•          Remote control search lights
•          High powered flood and LED exterior lighting
•          Air conditioned cabin
•          Chart plotter, GPS, and radar systems
•          Sirius XM Marine Weather Receiver
•          Commercial Grade VHF Radios
•          MDT (Mobile Data Terminal)
•          Rear Deck Video Camera

The Safeboat replaces a 10 year old 27’ Glacier Bay dual hull vessel that served the Marine Division well and now will be put up for sale.  Due to growing maintenance costs, general “wear and tear,” and a demand for year round responses to emergencies, the decision was made in 2015 to pursue a new make and design so that the Marine Division can better accommodate the boating public in our area.  Safeboat was the chosen vendor due to its history in manufacturing boats suiting the needs of Law Enforcement across the country.  Since 2002 the United States Coast Guard has used the same platform.  With a price tag of just over $350,000, the Darien Police Department feels confident that the new vessel is properly equipped and an excellent fit for allowing the Marine Officers to carry out the duties that are asked of them. 

Darien Marine Officer Derek Mulcahy stated, “The V-hull and low profile greatly improves stability when underway at high speeds.”    Having a top speed of 50 knots, responding quickly to boat emergencies is critical.  Mulcahy added that “Although Long Island Sound is beautiful, conditions can turn life threatening in a very short amount of time at night or in inclement weather.” 

The Marine Division is a fully staffed unit that operates seven days a week from May to October and during the winter months is available for emergencies 24 hours a day.   The Marine Division responds to assistance calls throughout the year and works in conjunction with surrounding Marine Divisions and the U.S. Coast Guard.  In cooperation with the Darien Boat Club, the Marine Division's permanent field office is located at the Darien Boat Club at Pear Tree Point Beach. 

For emergencies while on the water, contact the Marine Division on VHF channel 16.