The Maine Marine Patrol has launched the newest and largest patrol vessel in its fleet, the 57-foot P/V Allegiance, which will support safer and more effective offshore patrols.
It was officially put into service on Thursday, June 11 during a christening event at Perry’s Lobster in Surry.
“Maine Marine Patrol routinely patrols commercial fishing activity offshore and hauls and inspects tens of thousands of lobster traps annually,” said Colonel Matt Talbot.
Talbot said the vessel would better position the agency “to conduct offshore commercial fisheries enforcement, including the ability to safely haul and inspect large lobster trawls in federal waters.”
It will also be used to respond to search and rescue incidents, and monitor additional fisheries including scallop, Atlantic herring, menhaden, and groundfish.
Allegiance will be based in Boothbay Harbor and assigned to Marine Patrol Specialist Evan Whidden. It replaces the 29-year-old, 35-foot P/V Vigilant.
Allegiance was constructed and finished by Wesmac Custom Boats in Surry. It’s powered by a low-emission Tier 4 Man Diesel V-12 1450hp engine which can cruise in excess of 20 knots. It is equipped with state-of-the-art Furuno navigation electronics, and a heavy duty 17-inch hauler. It has significant deck space and an open stern which will allow officers to safely handle and set back the larger offshore lobster trawls.
The vessel is also equipped to carry a 15-foot Ribcraft Rigid Hull Inflatable boat on deck, which can be used for at-sea boardings to check vessels for compliance with marine resources laws.
