Kolkata, April 10 (IANS): The Indian Coast Guard commissioned an interceptor boat into its fleet at Haldia in West Bengal on Friday, enhancing its shallow water operational capability in riverine areas including the Sundarbans and other maritime borders in the region.

The 27 m long interceptor boat is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 45 knots and is equipped with advanced navigational and communication equipment. With a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun as the main armament, the craft has also been fitted with infra-red and night vision cameras.

Inspector General V.S.R. Murthy, Commander Coast Guard Region (NE), commissioned ICGS C-418, the first of the two planned interceptor boats to be inducted for Coast Guard operations in West Bengal and adjoining regions.

The craft will enhance the Coast Guard's operational capabilities to undertake multifarious tasks such as surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue including medical evacuation.

The second interceptor boat will join the fleet at Haldia by September, said Murthy.

With Deputy Commandant Pratik Modak at the helm, the craft has a compliment of one officer and 14 personnel.