Border Force boat fleet axed from patrolling the Channel – for vessels used to service wind farms
OFFICIAL Border Force cutters have been entirely withdrawn from patrolling the English Channel for migrants on small boats.
The huge operation has been left to a fleet of private vessels normally used for servicing wind farms – costing the taxpayer up to £36million a year.
Home Office officials have quietly admitted that last year none of the Government-owned cutters or coastal patrol vessels were used to deal with people trying to reach the UK crossing from France.
The ageing fleet of five cutters is due to be replaced and last year at least three spent long periods being repaired or serviced.
It has led to the Home Office splashing out on the fleet of private catamarans.
They are normally used for offshore wind farms but are now the UK’s only Channel patrols.
Of 604 small boat incidents last year, 544 were intercepted by commercial transfer vessels while the rest were carried out by the RNLI.
Home Office minister Michael Tomlinson revealed the five cutters and six coastal patrol vessels were not used at all.
In a written parliamentary answer he says: “During 2023, the Cutter & CPV fleet did not provide assistance to small boat operations in the South East region.
“Instead, Border Force utilised a fleet of 5 Commercial Transfer Vessels (CTVs) – Defender, Hurricane, Ranger, Typhoon and Volunteer.”
Border Force officials are on board the CTV vessels but the crews are private seamen.
The Home Office said: “Large boats like Cutters and Coastal Patrol Vessels are not suitable for rescue and recovery operations.
Alternative vessels are better equipped for the English Channel, and return specialist Border Force equipment to protect the rest of the UK’s border.”
OUT...Border Force Cutters
Damen Stan Patrol 4207.
Built for: Border Force strategic controls, detecting prohibited goods, preventing tax fraud. Can remain at sea for extended periods and in heavy weather conditions.
Length: 42m Speed: 26 knots Capacity: Up to 16 people.
IN.. windfarm service boats
South Catamaran 24M WFSV (BF Defender, BF Ranger, BF Volunteer)
Built for: Servicing offshore wind farms. Noted for higher speeds, reduced fuel costs and improved sea-keeping qualities.
Length: 24.7m Speed: 26.0 knots Capacity: Up to 15 people.