SOUTH KINGSTOWN — Chief Steven Pinch and the Union Fire District of South Kingstown are pleased to announce the launch of a new rescue boat.

The vessel, Marine 7, is a 19-foot Maritime 1890 Center Console and is powered by a Yamaha 90HP four stroke engine and will be part of a five boat fleet. The total cost of the boat was about $58,000. The upgraded vessel replaced the department’s 1981 15-foot aluminum boat that has been taken out of service.

The rescue boat will be used by the Union Fire District to provide public assistance and respond to emergency calls. It will also be used to navigate the waterways throughout South Kingstown and surrounding bodies of water.

As part of the boat’s safety features, it came equipped with a Depth Finder/Chart Plotter, Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Emergency Radio Channels, and scene lighting. The rescue boat is also outfitted with a far-reaching swim ladder for easier access to firefighters and victims in the water.

The boat is now in service and is based out of the Matunuck Fire Station.

“We are very fortunate to add this new boat to our fleet,” said Chief Pinch. “Within 72 hours of the boat being launched and put into service, we responded to a water emergency in the south end of town. This upgraded boat will enhance our capabilities in water rescues and emergency response while helping to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.”

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