Border agency Rib

actions · 15 May 2011, 14:57

Went out today on a new RibX 535 Rib and when we came back in we turned around to see we were being followed into the harbour by a Uk Border Agency Rib. Having never seen one in Herne Bay before i was quite intriged.

They pulled alongside us had a two minute chat and then shot off again.

I would imagine they took one look at us, realised we were yocals and got bored very quickly, well they didnt spot the 74 illegal stowaways hidden in the anchor locker

.

Still having done some research we found it is a 7.4m Delta rib with an inboard diesel engine.

He's a pick just as they were leaving, wasnt brave enough to do it when they were alongside us.

Anyone else seen them about, i've just never seen them before round our way.

Vandad · 15 May 2011, 18:22

They patrol the English Channel regularly, and especially near the ports and cities along the British coast.

When I used to live in Brighton, I was told that a massive multi-million motor cruiser was being used to traffic illegal immigrants and once they found a group of people and dropping them off in Brighton in Brighton Marina! and since then they tend to be more visible!

Another friend of mine was also sailing and said he was approached by one of these ribs and they came on the boat and even started inspecting inside the cabin etc.

willk · 15 May 2011, 18:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vandad

he was approached by one of these ribs and they came on the boat and even started inspecting inside the cabin etc.

Bugger! There's my new business plan down the tubes then

Portholme · 15 May 2011, 19:08

launched from suffolk yacht harbour last month and when i got back the same mob were waiting to 'interview' me. Apparently people on leisure ribs with the wife and kids often go out to sea to meet Dutch men!!!!

Joking apart, good to see them and glad they are trying to stop drug/gun running.

The officer told me they are trying to create a database of all ribs being launched off the east coast

actions · 15 May 2011, 19:21

I'm certainly not moaning about seeing them, i think its great, but was just really suprised and they crept up without us noticing, but then it was blowing a 4 to 5 so couldnt hear a great deal anyway.

They could of quite happily searched our storage lockers but the most interesting find would probably be a packet of french fries.....

Puffin · 15 May 2011, 19:49

Not just confined to the South Coast either. I was sailing up through Kylrhea off Skye when a Boarder Agency Rib pulled along side and we were boarded and politely interogated by two officers whilst a third "inspected" the cabin. All very polite, but I certainly wouldn't have liked to get on the wrong side of them!!

SDGANDER · 15 May 2011, 19:56

Interesting that posters here seem interested and 'in favour' of them... on that other big leisure boat forum they seem to hate them with a vengeance.

Is it because they have a nice RIB?

SDG

willk · 15 May 2011, 20:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

Interesting that posters here seem interested and 'in favour' of them... on that other big leisure boat forum they seem to hate them with a vengeance.

Maybe the big cruisers are more inconvenienced by having to heave to and accept boarders

Also, they're very wealthy and you know, time is money - perhaps they're just too important to be pulled over?

SPR · 15 May 2011, 20:32

was told at anti-terror conference,registered your boat with small ship register,( he did say register with CG66, I asked why would that help, since it is confidential! he dodged the question!)
file a passage plan and the chances they will board is pretty slim...if they can identify you ... they are happy!

We were asked to report anything suspicious...

S.

SeaSkills · 15 May 2011, 20:40

Regular visitors around here - often come up alongside when we're working. Usually no more than a friendly wave, sometimes stop for a chat, never had any sort of problem with them

tonymac · 15 May 2011, 20:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by willk

Bugger! There's my new business plan down the tubes then

No - all you have to do is get a bigger and better boat!

Something like a Redbay 850 with twin 150s would do!!

karlT · 15 May 2011, 20:43

Hopefully they may also assist in recovering some of the increasing number of stolen vessels

willk · 15 May 2011, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by tonymac

No - all you have to do is get a bigger and better boat!

Did you know that there is a very large forward deck hatch on the Redbay 1050, through which a man, or several, can enter a commodious space beneath?

At 50kts I'd imagine..., err, nothing reeely. What was I saying?

Portholme · 16 May 2011, 16:08

Is it because they have a nice RIB?

No, the ones I met had a Renault van!!!!!

actions · 16 May 2011, 16:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by SDGANDER

Is it because they have a nice RIB?

SDG

Well i was going to ask at having a go

SDGANDER · 16 May 2011, 17:03

When I worked for the fisheries we had a similar launch/recovery system on the stern, but....

They seem to steam at full speed up the ramp - we used to stick the bow on the stern ramp and attach the winch cable rather than driving up the ramp.

They often berth near one of my regular commands but seem to be doing crew changes so I've never been brave enough to go and ask for a look around.

SDG

willk · 20 May 2011, 21:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffin

All very polite, but I certainly wouldn't have liked to get on the wrong side of them!!

Nor they others: Linky

"The movement of "illicit commodities" across the land border between the north and south of Ireland was relatively unhindered by the agency staff.

They admitted to carrying out no detection work along the border because of personal security risks."