A woman walks by one of the apparently out-of-service boats parked at the Marine Police headquarters at Newport East, Kingston, yesterday. - Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

Minister of National Security Colonel Trevor MacMillan says he will launch an investigation into the circumstances which led to at least 13 boats assigned to the Marine Police division being out of service.

"I will speak to the commissioner (Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin) and see what is happening," he told The Gleaner yesterday in a brief response.

The boats, which were given to the Marine Police division in 2006 as part of a package of 26 vessels, cost the country more than $325 million. However, about two years after they were purchased, the vessels have been rendered immobile due to electrical, engine and navigational problems, leaving the island's coastline under threat.

Unserviceable

Sources say the boats have been malfunctioning since their arrival and several of them have been unserviceable for at least a year. They suggested the matter was one of great urgency as they believe the security of the nation is in danger.

"It seems like a free-for-all on the coast and, with all that is going on, we can't leave the coastline like that," said one source, who requested anonymity.

When The Gleaner visited the Marine Police headquarters at Newport East, yesterday, six boats which were normally positioned in the water were seen on wheels, sitting idly in the yard of the division. Workmen were also seen fixing engines which were to be fitted to other boats.

Acting head of the Marine Police division, Deputy Superintendent of Police Oral Harrison, was tight-lipped when questioned by The Gleaner. He referred the team to the head of support and services in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police Leon Rose.

However, Rose said he could not give a detailed response because he was not aware of the problem. He said he was aware of a servicing problem which had been dealt with, but nothing of the magnitude suggested.

Using old boats

The Gleaner has learnt that the Marine Police division now has to be using old boats to conduct patrols across the island. These boats have had to be fitted with refurbished, and even seized, engines.

It is understood that the new vessels, which included 17, 27, 38 and 42-footers cannot be touched because of an existing warranty which requires personnel from the manufacturer to repair them.

The sources also expressed concerns over the purchase of the boats which showed early signs of unsuitability for Jamaican waters.

"Those boats were built for lakes and not for seas which have salt water. Therefore, the engines have been affected by corrosion and other effects when used on our waters," one source said.