Two new Camarc fire boats enter service on the Thames for the London Fire Brigade. These very dedicated craft have been designed to enhance LFB’s fire fighting and rescue operations via increased capacities and performance over the current fleet.
Specifically designed for the Thames to meet London Fire Brigade’s specific requirements. The 16m all-aluminium waterjet shallow-draft vessels were built by partners Holyhead Marine and achieve speeds in excess of 40 Knots, with a bow ramp and layout designed for rescue operations on the banks & mud flats of the Thames
They can pump 4,000 litres/min of water through her two fire monitors or can pump up to 10,000 litres/min ashore. The vessels are is fitted with Scania UK engines and Kongsberg Maritime Waterjets.
The Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has welcomed London Fire Brigade’s new fire boats to the Thames as part of a £40 million investment made by City Hall to expand the Brigade’s fleet of equipment and vehicles.
The two new boats are named after Auxiliary Fireman Harry Errington and Auxiliary Firewoman Gillian Tanner, who in the Second World War were both awarded medals for bravery.
Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Dr Fiona Twycross, said: “I welcome the significant upgrading of vital rescue vehicles, appliances and equipment, which will help save more lives.”
“Our investment of around £40 million on our fleet over the last few years is part of our commitment to do all we can to meet the changing needs of our communities and keep Londoners safe long into the future; the fireboats will be a fantastic new addition to our fleet.”
Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, Dr Fiona Twycross, said: “I welcome the significant upgrading of vital rescue vehicles, appliances and equipment, which will help save more lives.
“The new fire boats are a brilliant addition to safety on the Thames and mean that the Brigade can tackle incidents of all kinds with dedicated teams on the water and on land, providing vital information to the fire service’s control room and emergency service partners to coordinate rescues.”