South Africa: The first of the new Tallie Marine 24-metre purse seiners, yard number T78/1, was launched on June 28, 2010.
The vessel was built for Brian Knoble of Sceptre Fishing in Gansbaai, South Africa. Brian is the owner of a number of Tallie Marine-built vessels including 'Saxon'.
'Wafra' will operate out of Cape Town catching pilchards along the South African coast.
'Wafra' has a crew of ten and can reach speeds of up to 11.3 knots.
The vessel is powered by a single Caterpillar C3412 main engine driving a single fixed pitch propeller via a ZF gearbox.
Weighing in a 370 tonnes with a full load, 'Wafra' is fitted for the application of purse seining. Once the catch is on board, it is stored in ice and water in the hold until the return to port. Typically, 'Wafra' will stay at sea for approximately three days at a time, although longer stays at sea are possible if necessary.
Unique to this vessel, and another first for Tallie Marine, is a retractable side thruster fitted on the rear of the vessel on the transom which hinges into the water. This is a useful aid in keeping the boat out of the net whilste fishing.
Accommodation on the 'Wafra' is standard with sleeping quarters forward and the mess located at the aft of the vessel.
