The Gambia Navy received a major boost to its maritime patrol capabilities on Thursday with the official handover of two high-speed interceptor boats from the United Kingdom.
At a ceremony held at the Naval Command headquarters in Banjul, British High Commissioner Harriet King presented the PAC 22 Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) to Lieutenant General Mamat O.A. Cham, Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces.
The donation is part of ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and comes amid growing concerns about illegal fishing, smuggling, and other maritime security threats along the Gambian coastline.
High Commissioner King said the boats represent the UK’s commitment to The Gambia’s security and sovereignty at sea. “We are proud to stand with The Gambia in strengthening its maritime capabilities. These vessels will help the Navy respond swiftly and effectively to challenges in its waters,” she said.
Designed for speed and durability in all weather conditions, the PAC 22 boats are built to carry out a range of naval duties from intercepting smugglers to supporting search and rescue operations.
Lieutenant General Cham welcomed the donation, calling it a timely addition to the Navy’s growing efforts to secure the country’s waters. “This support will greatly enhance our ability to address the evolving threats off our coast, protect our marine resources, and fulfil our national and regional obligations,” he said.
The handover is part of the UK’s broader engagement in West Africa, especially in efforts to improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. British officials say the goal is to build long-term partnerships that contribute to stability and regional cooperation.
The support includes training by Royal Navy personnel, who will work with Gambian officers on the use, maintenance, and operational deployment of the boats.
Thursday’s event concluded with a sea demonstration showcasing the boats’ speed and manoeuvrability, as officials and guests looked on from the shore.
