“we are very proud to be part of this incredible project” said Billy Jones from Ayres. “this is a cutting edge vessel and we were pleased to be chosen for the interior lightweight panels. This vessel is special for many reasons. First it is a memorial to the three hundred and forty three paramedics and fire fighters who died in the tragic events of Sept 11 2001. The name of the vessel “Three Forty Three” is emblazoned on the side of the vessel in metal salvaged from ground zero. "On Sept. 11, we all saw how important fire boats are to New York City," Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said in a statement. "The FDNY Marine Division rescued and transported hundreds of citizens and provided the only supply of water to battle the fires at the World Trade Centre for many days." "The Three Forty Three will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies in and around New York Harbor, while also reminding us all of the incredible sacrifices so many of our members made eight years ago." Built by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group of Panama City and designed by Robert Allan Ltd. Canada's oldest privately owned consulting Naval Architectural firm.
Quick Facts About the "Three Forty Three":
· Designed to detect, and protect fire fighters from, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents
· Contains a pressurized area that filters the air supply, allowing crew members to operate in hostile environments
· Features a forward ballast tank which lowers the boat in the water to match its deck with larger ferries that operate in the waters around New York City
· Pilot house is configured to allow the Captain a 360-degree view of an operation
· Command and control area allows officers to monitor and direct fire operations with the aid of remote cameras and state-of-the-art communication equipment
http://nycfireboat.com/
http://www.easternshipbuilding.com/
http://www.ral.bc.ca
