Lithuania gets rescue boat from U.K.

Klaipeda (ELTA) - The search and rescue boat Kristina, bought by the
Lithuanian coast border police, is about to go through testing and
sail to the port of Klaipeda, a spokesman said. The officer said
Lithuania had paid 1.5 million litas ($370,000 million) for the
preparation of the boat for service and the Swedish government had
paid the remainder of the costs.

The modern boat has been built and assembled in Southampton, U.K. and
is expected to be put through its tests this week. The new purchase
will serve as a patrol boat at the Russian border and will be used
for rescues at sea. Experts say the boat can move in water, on ice
and even on soil.

Border police say during the winter fishing season there are numerous
accidents in the Kursiu Lagoon and rescue services are often called
to the site to save careless fishermen drifting on broken-loose
blocks of ice. Last winter, the servicemen rescued people in similar
situations four times, saving at least 20 lives. Rescue services used
to complain about the hard working conditions because of scarce
equipment.

The crew of the Kristina will comprise 13 trained servicemen. During
rescue operations, it will be able to accommodate an additional 11
people.

It is equipped with a modern GMDSS communications system which is to
be installed in all Lithuanian ships starting in February.