Unusual Narco-Submarine Interdicted Off Colombia

The year end often sees a seasonal spike in narco-submarine activity. The Colombian military interdicted an LPV (low profile vessel) in the Pacific on December 24. The vessel was carrying 1,678 kilos of cocaine with an estimated value of $56,000,000.

The design is unusual, being the first seen with a raised bow. There is a step down about halfway along the side. This is likely intended to improve seakeeping.

Even with the raised bow, the vessel is still incredibly low in the water making it hard to see.

It is a form of low-profile-vessel with outboard motors and a very slender hull (LPV-OM-VSV). Although there are some similarities to the LPV-OM-VSV-8 design, there are enough differences to indicate that it is an entirely new family. This is therefore categorized as LPV-OM-VSV-11 in the Covert Shores taxonomy.

Another unusual feature is that apparently there were four crew aboard. LPVs with outboard motors typically have three crew.

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