Bad behaving boaties beware
SMOOTH, fast, sophisticated - the P.V. Damian Leeding is one high-tech piece of policing equipment.
The latest edition to the Whitsunday Water Police arsenal, the 23.99m catamaran is practically a floating command station.
Equipped with its own communications centre, inflatable patrol boat and sleeping quarters, the P.V. Damian Leeding need only return to shore for fuel and food.
The craft is named after Detective Senior Constable Damian Leeding.
The Gold Coast-based officer was responding to a robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern on May 29, 2011, when he was shot. He died in hospital on June 1, leaving behind a wife and two young children.
"Detective Senior Constable Leeding was a wonderful officer, committed to serving his community and ensuring the safety and security of all," Commissioner Ian Stewart said.
"The same parallel could be drawn with this new vessel that proudly bears his name.''
Whitsunday Water Police officer in charge Sergeant Graeme Pettigrew said the craft would help increase their range and capacity.
