Miami fire rescue chooses Metal Shark

JEANERETTE, La. - The Miami-Dade (Fla.) Fire Rescue Department has selected Metal Shark shipbuilding’s “50 Defiant X” to build the next generation of fire boats. The new fire boats are being built at Metal Shark’s Jeanerette, La., production facility and are intended to replace older fire boats currently in operation in South Florida. The 50-foot x 15-foot vessels will be powered by twin inboard diesel engines mated to water jet propulsion units with a projected top speed of 45+ knots - for the fastest emergency response time – and to deliver a nominal operating range of about 250 nautical miles. The distinctive new vessels were designed by Metal Shark’s in-house engineering team. The fire boat features a reverse-raked windshield arrangement with large overhead skylights to provide upward visibility while approaching and operating alongside moving ships, elevated structures or keeping overhead aircraft in view. Miami-Dade Fire Rescue – one of the largest fire departments in Florida - conducted in-depth research and followed that up by a lengthy procurement process to acquire the most modern, efficient, and proven fire boat on the market, says Metal Shark CEP Chris Allard, “and our 50 Defiant checked all the boxes.” (Source: Metal Shark 04/16/19)