New fire boat provides state-of-the-art technology to save more lives
SUBMITTED BY THE BOCA GRANDE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Boca Grande Fire Department recently took delivery of their new fire boat. The new boat replaces the old boat that had been in service for over 11 years.
The new boat was manufactured by Metal Craft Marine, which has built several fire boats in this region in the last few years.
The new boat is a 9M Interceptor with an aluminum hull and a ¾ enclosed cabin. She is powered by twin Mercury Motors, has a fire pump that delivers over 500 gallons per minute of water, front and rear deck guns and dive doors.
The electronics and navigation systems include FLIR (Forward-Looking InfraRed) imaging, Ray Marine AIS (Automatic Identification System) 5000 Navigation and Maritime communication system, radar, GPS and dual side scan sonar.
The boat was purchased on a matching WCIND grant through Lee County natural resources. The program, which includes Manatee, Sarasota, Charlotte and Lee Counties, provides financial assistance for County projects related to navigability, recreational boater access, boater safety and the marine environment. Qualifying projects must meet the purpose of one or more Waterway Development Program project categories.
“Since taking delivery we have trained in the NASBLA boat operations search-and-rescue class, Coast Guard joint search-and-rescue training, Ray Marine Factory training and operations and familiarization with other surrounding agencies and vessels,” said Fire Chief C.W. Blosser. “The new boat will greatly increase the Boca Grande Fire Department’s response capabilities and responder safety.”
