The former Irish patrol vessel Aoifé, which was transferred to the Armed Forces of Malta in June, has left Cork, bound for its new home.

The vessel, now having pennant number P62, is the biggest patrol craft to join the AFM. It is 65.2m long and has a displacement of 1019.5 tonnes.

An extensive refit and crew training were carried out before the ship left the Republic of Ireland.

The vessel, built 35 years ago to a design that makes it suitable for heavy seas,  will carry out offshore operations like the Diciotti patrol vessel P61. 

The government had already announced plans to eventually use EU funds to acquire a new vessel which will eventually replace P62.

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