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ROC donates patrol boats to The Gambia

The Cheng Kung-class patrol boat, three of which have been donated by the ROC to The Gambia, will help the West African nation put the bite on illegal fishermen and smugglers. (CNA)

• Publication Date：06/29/2012
• Source： Taiwan Today
• By  Rachel Chan

The ROC will donate three patrol boats to The Gambia as part of efforts strengthening the West African nation’s maritime defense capabilities, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs June 28.

“The vessels can play a key role in helping The Gambia crack down on illegal fishing and smuggling,” said Hsu Mien-sheng, director-general of the MOFA Department of African Affairs.

At 8.5 meters in length, the Cheng Kung-class patrol boat is a shallow-draft vessel prized for its maneuverability and fuel efficiency. The three new additions to The Gambian navy will be refitted by the ROC Ministry of National Defense and handed over early next year.

Hsu said the donation was made after one of the four Dvora-class fast patrol boats provided by the ROC to the West African nation in 2009 was seriously damaged in a storm. The craft has since been designated for retirement from active service and will be used for training purposes.

ROC President Ma Ying-jeou plans to present a model of the patrol boat to Gambian President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, who is visiting Taiwan on a five-day state visit, when the two leaders attend a joint military academy graduation ceremony June 29 in the southern city of Kaohsiung.

Jammeh’s ninth trip to Taiwan in 17 years as leader of the West African country wraps up June 30 in Taipei City. (JSM)

Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw