Darien Police Obtain New Boat

DARIEN, CT—Police have placed a new vessel in service this month.

The 27-foot boat was built over the course of a year and arrived in Darien Oct. 4. It is powered by twin 300 horsepower motors. The hull is made of aluminium and a foam collar allows for close up operations. It cost $350,000.

Its maximum speed is 50 knots, which is about 57 mph.

The boat is equipped with several electronic components thanks to the Darien Foundation for Technology and Community.

Darien's new boat will replace the 10-year-old 27-foot Glacier Bay dual hull vessel. The old vessel will be put up for sale.

The new boat will be better equipped to service the area, said Sgt. Jeremia Marron Jr., police spokesman. It is similar to what is used by the United States Coast Guard and several law enforcement agencies.

“The V-hull and low profile greatly improves stability when underway at high speeds," said Marine Officer Derek Mulcahy. “Although Long Island Sound is beautiful, conditions can turn life threatening in a very short amount of time at night or in inclement weather.”

It also comes equipped with down vision and side scan sonar, forward looking infrared, search lights, high-power LED exterior lighting, a rear camera and a number of high-grade communication systems.

Darien Police Marine Division is fully-staffed seven days a week from May to October. It is available for emergency around the clock 365 days a year.

The Marine Division can be reached on VHF channel 16.