MEMORIES OF VIGILANT SERVICE
TASMANIA Police vessel Vigilant is celebrating 50 years on the water with commemorations for its years of continued operational service.
The Vigilant was built by Tasmanian boat builder Ray Kemp in 1970 and completed in 1971.
Tasmania Police assistant commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the vessel had a rich history.
“Many Tasmania Police officers have proud memories of working aboard PV Vigilant,” Commander Bodnar said.
“It played an integral role in the aftermath of the Tasman Bridge collapse, where it was used as a dive support vessel. It searched for the cargo ship Blythe Star when it was lost off Southwest Cape in 1973 and was involved in policing the Franklin River protests.
“More recently, in 2006 it towed the Lady Nelson to safety in Hobart when it had engine trouble in Storm Bay with a group of schoolchildren on board.”
A new vessel, the PV Dauntless, will be operational before the end of the year.