New Marine Rescue Vessel to Tackle Major Incidents in S'pore Waters

Operational from October, it builds on its predecessor's search-and-rescue capabilities

- Claudia Tan

A new marine rescue vessel equipped to deal with fires and other emergencies in Singapore's waters has been commissioned, as larger ships with more passengers such as those under the Disney Cruise Line are expected here in the near future.

It will be based at West Coast Marine Fire Station when it is operational from October.

The 38m-long Blue Dolphin is a second-generation marine rescue vessel that is 3m longer than its predecessor, the Red Dolphin, and will be the primary vessel for major incidents such as fires, rescues and chemical incidents.

The increased space on the boat allows for a heli-winch, where casualties can be evacuated by helicopters from the Singapore Armed Forces. This feature was not available on the Red Dolphin.

Built by the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), Penguin Shipyard International, the Home Team Science and Technology Agency and Defence Science and Technology Agency, the Blue Dolphin can travel at a speed of up to 30 knots, and accommodate up to 30 seated casualties.