Florence Mkhize (patrol vessel)
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The Florence Mkhize is an environmental protection vessel operated by the South African Ministry of the the environment.[1] She was launched in June 2006. At 14 m (45.93 ft), and capable of 60 knots, she is smaller and faster than four earlier environmental protection vessels. The three vessels in the Lillian Ngoyi class are 47 m (154.2 ft) long and capable of 25 knots.[2]
At her launch Marthinus van Schalkwyk, South African Minister of the Environment, asserted the vessel's design was unique.[1]
She spent her first four months in commission countering perlemoen poaching in Algoa Bay near Port Elizabeth.[3]
All of the South African environmental patrol vessels are named after anti-apartheid heroines, like Florence Mkhize.[4]
| power | 2 x SeaTek 820 kilowatts |
| length | 14 m (45.93 ft) |
| complement | 12 |
| speed | 60 knots |
| cost | 3.8 Rand |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Caryn Dolley. Super-fast vessel to combat poaching, Independent Online, 2006-06-09. Retrieved on 2011-12-05. “A new super-fast patrol vessel was launched in Cape Town harbour on Thursday to reinforce marine protection and help combat poaching.”
- ↑ Leon Engelbrecht. Fact file: Lilian Ngoyi class environmental inshore patrol vessels, Defence Web, 2010-02-09. Retrieved on 2011-12-05. “In addition to the fishery protection duties, the Lilian Ngoyi-class environmental inshore patrol vessels vessels are equipped to conduct oil spill countermeasure operations. The vessel is further equipped for Search-and-Rescue work, fire fighting and limited towing duties. All three ships will be certified for operations up to 200 nautical miles from the shore.” mirror
- ↑ Super-fast vessel leads fight against poaching, Independent Online, 2006-10-19. Retrieved on 2011-12-05. “The Florence Mkhize is no ordinary marine patrol vessel. Capable of skimming the ocean waves at 60 knots (about 125 km/h) and fitted with scientifically designed seats that protect the 12 man crew during high speed chases, the specialised boat has been called to action in the waters of Algoa Bay in the Eastern Cape to protect the ocean’s bounty from poachers.” mirror
- ↑ Mkhize, Florence, South African history.