(Published Monday, February 12, 2007 11:53:06 AM CST)
A d v e r t i s e m e n t
By Chris Schultz
cschultz@gazetteextra.com
FONTANA
With the help of local donors, the Fontana Dive Team now owns a 27-foot boat for use in emergency rescue services on Geneva Lake and surrounding lakes.
Todd C. Porstner, assistant dive coordinator, said the team took possession of the boat two weeks ago.
The new boat, built by Lake Assault Boats of Elk River, Minn., is powered by twin 225 hp Honda outboard motors
Like the old Higgins boats of World War II, it has a front drop ramp for easy loading and unloading, and it can beach itself and pull away, Porstner said.
Equipped with swim rails and capable of holding 30 to 40 people, the boat also has a 400-gallon-per-minute fire pump and lights for night operation.
In addition, its electronic systems include a Lowrance Electronics GPS location system and depth finder.
The boat cost about $125,000, Porstner said.
Equipment on the boat also was donated.
Fontana Fire Chief and dive team member Jon Kemmett said the team will begin training to use the boat and its new equipment this spring.
The U.S. Coast Guard will conduct the training, which will include instruction in how to approach and conduct rescues from burning and sinking vessels.
