The Susquehanna Hose Company eagerly received a new, state-of-the-art rescue boat that Chief Scott Hurst said will greatly help with year-round rescue operations.
The 35-foot-length Munson High Speed Landing Craft - which cost about $500,000 - was funded by the City of Havre de Grace, Harford County and the State of Maryland, he said. It has an 11-foot beam and will augment the Hose Company's existing boat of roughly 22 feet in length.
"We are hoping to put it in service for the July 4 weekend," he said, adding a dedication with elected officials is planned for July 9.
The boat, modeled after a similar vessel in Henrico County, Va., is one of the only rescue boats in the state to feature side-scanning sonar that helps locate bodies in the water, a system that cost more than $60,000, Hurst said.
It has a 30-year life span, an enclosed cabin with heating and air-conditioning and two pieces of scuba equipment, Hurst said.
The boat will be docked at Pier 1 near the Promenade Grille.
"We are really excited about it," Hurst said.