The San Carlos City government in Negros Occidental, through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), recently purchased a speed boat for rescue and fast patrol.

City DRRM Officer Joe Recalex C. Alingasa Jr. said the P11.5-million rescue and patrol boat will be co-managed by the CDRRMO, City Environment Management Office-Coastal Resources Management Division, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police-Maritime Group for its patrol and rescue operations especially in the island of Sipaway and coastal barangays in the city.

Alingasa also thanked Mayor Renato Gustilo and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members headed by Vice Mayor Christopher Paul Carmona for the support in acquiring said equipment which is very important in the emergency needs of the constituents.

The brand new 36 Interceptor Open Fast Patrol & Rescue 36 Footer Speed Boat purchased through public bidding comes with additional trailer and complete accessories including medical and safety kits inside. It has a maximum speed of 45mph and a complete heavy duty fiberglass construction with narrow tunnel catamaran (tunnel hull design), over-all length of 38 feet with beam/width of 10 feet and draft of 1.5-2ft with capacity of 20-25 persons.

It is also equipped with communications and GPS/Chart plotter equipment and complete radar with mounting, PA system, remote search light, and LED blinkers./WDJ