L.É. CIARA P 42
L.É. CIARA was formerly the HMS SWALLOW a British Royal Navy patrol vessel stationed in the waters of Hong Kong. She was purchased by the Irish State in 1988. The primary armament is a 76mm OTO MELARA compact gun and RADAMEC electro optical fire control system. L.É. CIARA is a high speed vessel, designed to move rapidly about the patrol area and to bring her considerable firepower to bear when necessary.
She scored a notable operational success in Nov 1999 when she conducted the second biggest drug seizure in the history of the state at that time, with her interception and boarding at sea of MV POSIDONIA of the south west coast of Ireland.
Ship's Name
Ciara was the daughter of a wealthy Christian family who settled near Nenagh, Co. Tipperary in the 7th century. Ciara was a devout Christian and aged 20, she established a convent near her home which became famous and grew rapidly. It grew to such an extent that Ciara established another convent near Durrow, County Laois where she spent many years, though she returned to her home before her death in 685
| Ship's Characteristics |
| Type | Coastal Patrol Vessel |
| 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 on Board |
| Main Armament | 76mm OTO Melara Canon 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 |
