Reinforced Vienna’s fleet – New blue police flash on the Danube on the way

Vienna’s water police roam the Danube to control, rescue and stop smugglers. The “Krone” was on board when the newest and fastest rescue boat was transferred from Linz to the metropolis.

A proud 572 hp from two extremely powerful Steyr engines bring the ten-meter ship built in the ÖSWAG shipyard in Linz up to speed on its maiden voyage to Vienna. Despite the enormous propulsion power, the police boat glides over the water as if on rails. The vehicle, weighing several tons, only takes off briefly when the bow waves of oncoming push boats hit the ground. When the “Blue Lightning” finally roared across the Danube at 67 km/h, it quickly became clear to the “Krone” reporter – himself a passionate hobby captain – that no smuggler or alcohol driver could rush away from the police on the Danube . Especially since the next lock would soon be the end of the fun. On our transfer mission to Vienna, we have to pass six weirs. The boat is lowered between eight and ten meters. Meanwhile, there’s plenty of time to inspect the latest pride in the water police force. “We built a custom-made product for the police,” says Managing Director Reinhard Suppan from the Linz shipyard about the blue light boat. Because it actually plays all the technical bits. A layman would immediately miss the steering wheel and think that the high-tech equipment comes from the spaceship Enterprise: Because the PS missile is steered with a control lever. And a color daylight radar, a turn indicator and a 3D rear camera ensure safe navigation. Even if the showpiece of the Vienna Water Police Armada, which has now grown to ten boats, costs a proud 890,000 euros, the price is reasonable. “We have invested in safety and in the future. Spare parts will be available for 25 years, and our ‘Blauer Blitz’ will still be on patrol trips in 40 years’ time,” said Major General Michael Takacs, who headed to Vienna together with Water Police Chief Kraus. Inspections of cargo ships, leisure boats and missing person searches Inspection of the ship’s fitness of the Danube captains Shipwrecks or environmental pollution 650,000 aliens law inspections on passenger ships and freighters Apprehension of illegally entered migrants Digging out smuggled goods from under the cargo
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