Kerala: Five rescue-cum-ambulance boats by August end

Kochi: In a first of its kind initiative, the State Water Transport Department (SWTD) will roll out five rescue-cum-ambulance boats by next month end. “The trial for the first of steel rescue-cum-dive boat will be conducted this month end and the construction of the boat progressing at Kodungallur yard, is almost complete. We aim to roll out all of them by August end. At present, we lack a dedicated rescue mechanism like a boat with rescue and medical equipment,” said SWTD director Shaji V. Nair.

The boats will be stationed at Ernakulam, Vaikom, Mohamma, Ala-puzha and Kottayam jetties of the SWTD. Each of the 40-foot vessels can accommodate 16 passengers and three crew and has a design speed of 12 knots instead of the normal boat speed of seven knots. “Basically they are meant for rescue purposes upon any emergency in the water bodies. A dedicated mobile number will be publicised and the boat would be rushed to the spot upon getting alerts. They will also serve the purpose of water ambulance for people living on islands in Alappuzha and Ernakulam area with no road connectivity,” the official said.

The boats will have all basic equipment besides medical facilities for first aid. Kochi-based Navgathi Marine Design and Constructions (P) Ltd is constructing the boats which would cost nearly Rs 5 crore. Meanwhile, the SWTD is also planning to start fast ferry service in the Vaikom-Ernakulam section by September first week (Onam). The catamaran-type twin-engine boat will also have a speed of 12 knots and the construction is progressing at a boat yard in Aroor. The boat can cover the distance in 1.5 hours. The front portion will be air-conditioned and include 50 seats. We expect the service to attract tourists in a big way. The remaining 70 seats are aimed at daily commuters,” the official said.