The Carlisle Bay, the modern high-speed pilot launch which was commissioned on Friday at the Bridgetown Port.

The Bridgetown Port is now better able to assist cargo and cruise vessels, as well as support rescue efforts, with the acquisition of a new high-speed pilot launch.

Named the Carlisle Bay, the vessel was officially commissioned last Friday at the Shallow Draught during a ceremony attended by officials of Barbados Port Inc, Customs, Coast Guard and Damen shipyard of Holland.

As part of the traditional commissioning process, Roseanne Myers, a member of the board of directors of Barbados Port Inc, broke a bottle of champagne on the deck of the vessel to officially usher it into service.

Chairman of Barbados Port Inc, Larry Tatem, said the vessel would mainly be used in guiding ships safely into harbour and would also enhance the efficiency of the port.

"Over the years our cargo and cruise traffic have increased substantially, making one pilot launch quite inadequate . . . This new launch will certainly add to the efficiency of the port," he added.

Engineering manager Ian Stuart said the new vessel, a replacementfor the aging Clarence Lewis, was a modern, air-conditioned launch, capable of comfortably carrying at least eight people.

(BB)