Exclusive | Hong Kong splashes out HK$125 million on what may be world’s biggest self-righting fireboat, which can recover from capsize in 6 seconds
- Insider tells Post that boat’s recent tests at Taiwanese port, which included capsizing, went well
- ‘It will greatly enhance and strengthen our maritime search and rescue capability in the rough sea conditions of eastern Hong Kong waters,’ Fire Services Department says
Hong Kong has splashed out HK$125 million (US$16 million) on what its builder claims is the world’s biggest self-righting fireboat, designed to recover from a complete capsize in as little as six seconds, the Post has learned.
The new fireboat could arrive in the city as early as June after it finishes undergoing testing at a Taiwanese shipyard, according to an insider.
“You can’t go out to save people if your boat has capsized and you become a rescue target yourself in choppy seas,” the source said, adding tests had gone smoothly.
“So Hong Kong’s Fire Services Department requested this self-righting function to ensure fire and rescue operations can continue even in severe conditions.”
A second source said: “The [self-righting] feature provides enhanced protection to firefighters on board and also increases the vessel’s ability to navigate in adverse weather conditions.”
One of the sources said the new vessel, 35 to 40 metres (131 feet) long and weighing about 200 tonnes, was believed by the shipbuilder to be the largest fireboat in the world able to self-right.
The vessel, however, will still need several months for trials and crew training before it is commissioned into service.
