Police vessel back in operation after mechanical fault

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
POLICE patrol vessel Baki II has returned to the waters along the PNG, Indonesia and Australian maritime borders after developing a mechanical fault while transporting police officers on Covid-19 operations in Western, acting Water Police director Chief Insp John Bana-Koiri says.
“The engineer fixed the boat’s propeller and engine over the weekend,” he said.
“And it is now back to regular duty operating in South Fly after not operating for a week.”
Chief Insp Bana-Koiri said Baki II was fitted with electronic and navigational systems that allowed it to navigate on the open sea, along coastlines and up rivers and estuaries.
He said the crew were experienced and familiar with the province’s waterways and included a National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) certified engineer, who was engaged to repair outboard motor engines for dinghies used by Customs and PNG Defence Force officers.
The customs and military personnel are part of the joint security task force.
Chief Insp Bana-Koiri said Baki II and another boat were deployed last month with 10 water police officers to assist the joint border agency team to monitor waters along the southern Indonesian and Australian borders.