The Hellenic Coast Guard inaugurated its new ship

The newest ship of the Hellenic Coast Guard was officially inaugurated on February 9, in the presence of Greek Shipping and Island policy Minister Thodoris Dritsas, Dutch ambassador Caspar Veldkamp and Damen Shipyards Chairman Kommer Damen.

The patrol boat is named “Gavdos”. The 58-meter vessel of the type “Stan Patrol 5509” was built in the Netherlands by Damen Shipyards. The purchase program of the ship was jointly financed by the EU’s External Border Fund (75%) and Greek national resources (25%). The vessel features several innovations, including a so-called “axe bow”.

Ambassador Veldkamp commented: “This ship is of a very advanced design and highly capable. It arrives right on time. We need to re-inforce the EU’s external border security.”

The ship has already been operational before its inauguration. Last weekend it saved 100 migrants from drowning near the island of Lesvos.

SOURCE/PHOTO: Embassy of the Netherlands facebook page