Army flagship towed to city after mechanical problems

The Army flagship, GDFS Essequibo, was reportedly towed to the Coast

The GDFS Essequibo

Guard Headquarters in Ruimveldt after it suffered mechanical problems earlier this week.
According to officials, the vessel which was bought from the United Kingdom almost eight years ago, was patrolling in Essequibo where it was stationed when it broke down. Calls for assistance were radioed in and the vessel was later towed to the city.
In 2009, the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) said it was spending over $130M to repair the main and auxiliary engines of the GDFS Essequibo. The contract was awarded to Brazilian engineering company, MANUTEST.
Head of the Army, Commodore Gary Best had said that the GDF pursued various companies to obtain the best engineers for the ship’s repairs. Because of the fact that the UK does not manufacture such ships any more, Brazil was approached since the neighbouring country has similar vessels.
Commodore Best said that having the Coast Guard vessel overhauled will enhance its capability, and its defence security, but particularly, maritime integrity which is very important.
Kaieteur News was unable to make contact with the Coast Guard management on how the vessel’s incapacity will affect monitoring operations.