Navy’s latest acquisition leaves US without nine crew members

By Shamindra Ferdinando

Sri Lanka Navy vessel P 627 has departed Seattle, US over the last week sans nine members of the crew who fled from the ship in spite of stringent measures in place to thwart such an eventuality.Sri Lanka’s efforts to locate them haven’t been successful though their disappearances were brought to the notice of relevant authorities.

The Island learns that on two previous occasions six members of P 621 (SLNS Samudura/formerly of the US Coast Guard ‘Courageous’) and P 626 (SLNS Gajabahu/ formerly of the US Coast Guard Sherman) fled the ships before they departed US home ports in 2004 and 2018 respectively. They were never found.Well informed sources said that authorities had been extra vigilant this time as there were push factors against the backdrop of extreme economic difficulties here. Sri Lanka paid for the vessels taken delivery of in 2004 and 2018 whereas P 627 (formerly of the US Coast Guard ‘ Douglas Munro’) was received free of charge.

The US Coast Guard in late Oct 2021 formally handed over ‘Douglas Munro’ to SLN crew sent there to take over the vessel. The crew received training while the vessel underwent certain modifications to suit the operational needs of the Sri Lanka Navy.

‘Douglas Munro’ is the second ‘Hamilton Class High Endurance Cutter’, received by the SLN measures 115m in length, capable of attaining maximum speed of 29 knots and endurance of 14,000 NM at cruising speed. The vessel has been designed for a complement of 187 crew and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and machinery, according to a statement issued by the SLN.The vessel is expected to arrive in Colombo in the first week of November. The vessel will make port calls at Honolulu in Hawaii, Apra in Guam, United States, Manila in the Philippine and Changi in Singapore for replenishment and services.

Recently SLNS Gajabahu captured public attention following the releasing of a video footage of the vessel preparing to leave Colombo harbour carrying the then President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. The President and the first lady arrived in Trincomalee on May 10 morning after leaving Colombo on the previous day.

All three ex-US Coast Guard vessels have been designated as Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) with SLNS Gajabahu classified as an Advanced OPV. The SLN fleet includes four AOPVs (two procured from India and one received from China as a gift in addition to SLNS Gajabahu). They are backed by four OPVs, two Fast Missile Vessels etc.

In spite of soaring fuel costs, the SLN maintains regular patrols. Both Australia and Sri Lanka have acknowledged a tripartite agreement involving India that has paved the way for the SLN and SLAF to receive fuel from India paid for by Australia. Sources said that the Australian move should be viewed against the backdrop of their keenness to ensure sufficient sea patrols to prevent people being smuggled to Australia.