DORSET Police has welcomed two new vessels which they say will help find people missing at sea as well as help crack down on criminal activity.

The two new boats, a Sargo flybridge boat called Sentinel and an 11-metre tactical rib called Invictus, are a “significant upgrade” and will improve the force’s capability to patrol the coastline day and night – even in severe weather.

The vessels have been funded by the Home Office and have been purpose-built for policing.

Dorset Police said the flybridge boat is the first of its kind for the force and has vastly improved functionality.

It carries 1,100 litres of fuel and can travel up to approximately 500 nautical miles on a full tank, with a top speed of 48 knots allowing for rapid response.

The boats are used by the force’s team of specially trained marine police officers, who are responsible for responding to incidents on the water, as well as using their knowledge to investigate marine-related crimes.

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The boats will be used for a variety of purposes, including water searches, identifying offences and anti-social behaviour at sea and on water, transporting officers and specialist equipment to incidents and providing reassurance marine patrols along the coastline.

Assistant chief constable Steve Lyne of Dorset Police, said: “These new additions to our marine fleet, funded by the Home Office, allow us to better serve our communities and ensure we can put our specialist resources in the right places.

One of the new boats – a tactical rib boat called Invictus Picture: Dorset Police

“This enhancement is a huge step forward for Dorset Police, providing us the ability to serve the marine community using fit-for-purpose vessels for many years to come.

“We cover a large coastal area with 96 miles of Jurassic coastline in Dorset and it is only right that we have the capabilities to respond to an incident on the water in the same way that we would on land.

“The boats will enable us to be more visible on the water, providing a deterrent for any anti-social behaviour or criminality. They will also strengthen the way we work with our partners, such as HM Coastguard and the RNLI.

“These vessels provide us with a great opportunity to engage with the marine community and anyone who is out enjoying a day on the water in our county.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) David Sidwick said: “I welcome this vital investment from the Home Office. As PCC, I continue to lobby hard for more funding and resources for Dorset Police, and it is heartening to see this recognised with such a positive result.

“Every year, thousands of people flock to Dorset to enjoy what our fantastic coastline has to offer, and these new cutting-edge vessels will not only enhance the force’s capability to enforce the law along our coastline but help keep people safe and deliver on our commitment to marine communities.

“I have long been a vociferous supporter of Harbour Watch, particularly its expansion to all harbours in Dorset, and I look forward to seeing how these new vessels reinforce the vital partnerships so integral to keeping our coastal communities and those at sea, safe and secure.”