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SCDF unveils new firefighting vessels

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Red Sailfish has been described as the world's most powerful firefighting vessel

Three new marine firefighting vessels - including the world's most powerful in terms of water output - were commissioned by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) yesterday.

The heavy fire vessel, called Red Sailfish, is able to pump out 240,000 litres of seawater per minute. Touted the world's most powerful firefighting vessel, it will be operational from next year, along with a marine rescue vessel named Red Dolphin and a heavy rescue vessel named Red Manta.

The Red Sailfish is equipped with 12 water and foam monitors that allow 360-degree firefighting coverage, six automated decontamination shower cubicles, and a launch and recovery system for the deployment of a rigid hull inflatable boat for rescue operations.

Built by defence technology firm ST Engineering's marine arm, it features on-board detection capabilities for hazardous materials and a chemical-biological-radiological (CBR) protection system.

It is also able to automatically maintain its position on its own in the water, which helps stabilise the water and foam monitors for firefighting operations.

Meanwhile, the Red Dolphin will be the primary vessel for major marine incidents, such as marine CBR incidents and firefighting and rescue operations.

The vessel, which has a top speed of 30 knots, is equipped with a CBR filtration system, cubicles for decontamination and positive pressured cabins.

It has a thermal imaging system that will help with the detection of casualties from a distance under low light and visibility conditions, as well as identifying heat spots on the affected vessels for cooling operations.

The Red Manta will be used as a marine tactical headquarters for major incidents involving large numbers of casualties.

It has a capacity of 300 passengers, and features a medical treatment room and decontamination chambers. The vessel has a top speed of 35 knots.

The Red Manta is also equipped with a lift system, which can be used to bring casualties from the main deck to the heli-winch pad above, where they can be airlifted to hospitals.

The SCDF did not reveal the cost of the vessels, for which construction began in 2017.

At the commissioning ceremony yesterday, Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said the new vessels will boost the SCDF's capabilities to handle maritime emergencies.

Currently, the SCDF Marine Division commands West Coast Marine Fire Station and Brani Marine Fire Station, which oversees Loyang Marine Fire Post.

The new Gul Marine Fire Post will start operations next year, and the Punggol Marine Outposts the following year, said Mr Shanmugam.

This will improve response time to outlying islands, he told about 200 guests and representatives at the ceremony.

ACCIDENTS FIRE FLOOD