Marblehead station to get new search, rescue boat

11/10/2001

MARBLEHEAD -- The U.S. Coast Guard station in Marblehead is replacing its 21-foot search and rescue boat with a new 23-foot craft that will be faster and more maneuverable than the boat it will replace.

The boat, built by Safe Boat International, is built primarily for search and rescue and law enforcement purposes and will be used for the agency's increased role in port security. It replaces an 8-year-old, inflatable Zodiac.

The Ninth Coast Guard District, which covers the Great Lakes, has bought 13 of the boats. Two will be delivered to the Lorain and Cleveland stations.

The all-aluminum hull boat includes radar, a global positioning system, a windshield, and overhead protection.