Images(2)

Alex M Duncan

Vessel numberHV000120

Vessel Registration NumberBI 001

Previous owner Victorian Water Police

Datec 1950

DimensionsVessel Dimensions: 9.45 m x 3.05 m x 0.91 m (31 ft x 10 ft x 3 ft)

DescriptionThe motor launch was built in the early 1950s for use on Port Phillip, Victoria by the Victorian Police. It was their only boat in the 1950s. It was purchased in April 1952 but not until 1960 was it given the name ALEX M DUNCAN, after the first Victorian Police Commissioner. The craft cost 3,000 pounds and was fitted with bullet-proof glass, two-way radio and rescue equipment. The launch patrolled Melbourne's port facilities and nearby river waterways.

A Motor Boating Squad was formed in the 1960s to supervise motor boating on all Victorian waterways. The squad's new boats were a high speed launch and a number of smaller two-man Bartenders which were used on inland waterways.

When it was retired from service it became a pleasure cruiser on the Gippsland Lakes in Victoria.

ALEX M DUNCAN still operates in this role. It has a timber carvel construction hull just under 10 metres long. The hull and superstructure remain in a similar configuration to when it was in use with the force, however the interior has been fitted out to suit its new role and the cockpit enclosed.

Prepared with material from the Victoria Police Museum.
SignificanceALEX M DUNCAN is a wooden motor launch probaly built in Victoria in the 1950s. It is an example of a 1950s Victorian police launch, and is named after the first Victorian Police Commissioner. It has been modified for recrational use since its time in police service.