Thanks to a locally built Ribcraft 9.0 rescue dive boat, the Boston Fire Department can now more quickly respond to water search and rescue missions.
The 30-foot-long $214,000 boat, which was funded by the Department of Homeland Security, can carry 10 divers plus crew and can reach over 50 mph.
“This boat is specifically designed to support the dive team when responding to on-water rescue situations,” said Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser. “Its speed and maneuverability are unparalleled and will greatly enhance our response capability.”
Steve Murphy, divemaster, Marine pilot-firefighter, and head of the Rescue Dive Team, said that the team was “able to be part of the design process. Our divers have years of experience and used it to have a boat built to meet our needs. With water incidents, minutes count. This boat will allow us to arrive on scene in a quick and safe manner.”
The boat, referred to as Marine Unit 3, will be docked in the North End at Burroughs Wharf. The boat is named after the late Captain John F. Kenney, who was a member of the Rescue Dive Team and a 29-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department.
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