P42 - L.E. Ciara.

L.E. Ciara is special to us in that she has Kinsale as her adopted port and is often to be seen at Kinsale's outer harbour sheltering from storms or on inshore training exercise.

One of two Coastal Patrol Vessels, (L.E. Ciara [formerly HMS Swallow] and L.E. Orla [formerely HMS Swift]), these vessels were bought from the British Royal Navy. She was commissioned into service in the 1988. Due to their high speed and shallow draught these vessels are ideal for patrolling close to Ireland's coastline. During their service these vessels have been involved in some of the largest seizures of narcotics, but are more generally used in fishery patrol.

SHIP DETAILS:
Length: 62.6m
Beam: 10m
Draught: 2.7m
Main Engines: 2 X Crossley SEMT- Pielstick Diesels 14,400 HP
2 Shafts
Speed: 25 + Knots
Range: 2500 Nautical Miles @ 17 knots
Crew: 39 (5 Officers)

WEAPONRY:
Main Armament:76mm OTO Melara Canon with Radamec Fire Control System.
Secondary Armament: 2 X 20mm Rheinmetall Rh202 Canon, 2 X 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun
Small Arms: 9mm Pistol to 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun