Silver Ships Inc., Mobile, Ala., has delivered a new fire rescue vessel to the Destin Fire Control District. The 52' Coastal Fast Response Boat (CFRB), identified as M-19, is outfitted with four 425-hp Yamaha outboards, two 1,500-gal. Darley fire pumps, and advanced firefighting and patient care technology.
“The first coastal fast response fireboat represents an innovative leap from our proven 43-foot patrol platform, tailored to meet the unique demands of maritime firefighting,” David Hunt, director of business development for Silver Ships, said in a statement announcing the delivery. “Its speed, versatility and capability make it an ideal asset for protecting the Destin waterfront.”
The addition to the district’s fleet, which is the largest in Florida, will protect people both on water and land. It can operate as a floating ambulance and respond to structure fires on or near the water. Its primary mission is to better accommodate the district’s large fishing fleet by providing medical care, fire suppression and support to offshore military.
“Not only is this vessel an asset for our residents and visitors of Destin, but it is also considered a federal asset,” said Mike Landis, deputy chief of the Destin Fire Control District. “We are surrounded by three military bases, special force groups, countless commercial and private fishermen and a vast community of people from all over the world. This asset provides fire protection and emergency medical response on our waterways, giving us the range and speed to respond appropriately even in the toughest conditions.”
The vessel’s standout feature — two fire pumps capable of pushing 3,000 gals. per minute — is accompanied by shock mitigating decking and seating for personnel safety, a thermal camera for search and rescue operations, a full electronics and communication suite, emergency lighting and other top-of-the-line technology. An enclosed, climate-controlled cabin offers space and equipment to care for patients while transporting them safely to land, including monitors for vitals and IV equipment.
“The size and design of the boat are incredibly impactful,” said Landis. “The design paired with the enclosed cabin and powerful outboard motors will ensure we will be able to handle rougher seas — particularly the East Pass, which is nearly impassable with a smaller or differently designed vessel — and respond to our community of fishing fleets in a timely manner.”
Silver Ships’ CFRB series, was created partially in response to Destin Fire Control District’s unique needs for a multi-purpose, quick-response fireboat. The line of vessels supports law enforcement, fire departments, search and rescue organizations, first responders and personnel recovery missions. Typically ranging from 42' to 48', CFRBs share the same benefits of larger patrol boats but are more agile due to their smaller size.
M-19 is docked at the Destin Fire Public Safety Dock at Destin Fire Control District Station 19 and rounds out the station’s marine division that includes two additional boats, two swift water 15' inflatables with jet motors and jet skis.
