Western Explorer II starts whale-watching duties

A whale-watching tour boat has begun operations for Western Prince Cruises in Friday Harbour, Washington.

Delivered and engineered by Inventech Marine Solutions (IMS) using a Life Proof Boats design, the 12.1-metre by 3.6-metre aluminium vessel Western Explorer II carries 26 passengers and two crew.

Powered by twin Cummins 357kW diesel engines, the vessel reached a top speed of 43.6 knots during builder’s trials.

Under maximum load, she recorded a cruising speed of 33.5 knots, a 7.7-hour endurance and a 258-nautical-mile endurance.

The vessel is equipped with automatic fire suppression, a brass “shark bell” warning bell, a 30-person IBA and multiple water-tight compartments.