June 1, 2016 —
A team from Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf aboard the cutter’s over the horizon IV boat interdicts a self-propelled semi-submersible vessel carrying 7.5 tons of cocaine in the Eastern Pacific Ocean Aug. 31, 2015. The seized contraband was worth an estimated $227 million. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The Coast Guard placed an order for nine over the horizon IV cutter boats worth approximately $3.89 million with SAFE Boats International LLC of Bremerton, Washington, April 27.
Of the nine boats, four are headed to fast response cutters currently in production, and the other five will go to medium endurance cutters and various operational and training commands. Deliveries from this order are expected to begin in October 2016.
The OTH IV cutter boats deploy from their cutters to deliver boarding teams to vessels of interest. They are 26 feet long and have a top speed of 40 knots. Compared to the OTH III, they feature increased cargo space and seating, higher speeds, and compatibility with both stern and side-davit launch and recovery systems. Thirty-eight OTH IVs have been delivered, including boats for the five NSCs and 17 FRCs in service.
For more information: Boat Acquisition Program page