Seen fairly often on the Clyde is this vessel, the HM Customs Cutter SEEKER. Dating from 2001, she was the first of four sisters built in Holland for HM Customs, by Damen Shipyards to their Stan Patrol 4207 patrol boat design. With an overall length of 42.8 metres, she has a steel hull and aluminium superstructure. Twin screws are driven by two Caterpillar 3516 engines, which give her a patrol speed of 12 to 17 knots, and a top speed of over 26 knots. A 7 metre RIB is also carried, which can be launched from a slipway at her stern. Delivered at a cost of more than £4m each, SEEKER and her three sisters, SEARCHER, VIGILANT and VALIANT, are used to combat smuggling and to enforce Customs control at frontiers. They can spend up to 14 days at sea on patrol.
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