South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) will be bolstering its water rescue capabilities.
The SHAES Authority Board recently approved the $400,000 purchase of a new fire boat to enhance water-based fire suppression, rescue, and dive response capabilities. When it is put into service in 2027 it will replace a 27-year-old (1999) Zodiac vessel, according to Chief Brandon Hinz.
The area served by SHAES includes 10 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (Van Buren State Park north to Casco Township). In addition, there are approximately 1,000 boats in the harbor and along the Black River.
The new vessel is a 28-foot Sounder manufactured by North River Boats of Roseburg, Oregon, and will be specially equipped to serve the SHAES Dive Team and have a 500-GPM pump to support marine and shoreline fire suppression.
Through a favorable manufacturer discount from North River, SHAES was able to bring the cost of the new boat within the Authority’s Capital Replacement budget, Hinz said.
To support rapid deployment and response times, the City of South Haven has offered dock space near the City North Marina, an optimal location for emergency operations on Lake Michigan. The current boat is trailered and needs to be launched before responding to emergencies.
Due to the dock’s exposure to channel swell and surge, a boat lift will be required to protect the vessel, extend its service life, and ensure long-term reliability. While the fireboat was budgeted, the lift itself was not included in the capital plan.
The American Legion Post 49 Auxiliary recently contributed $2,000 toward the $30,000 boat lift. Fundraising efforts are continuing toward the lift, according to Hinz.
“We are pleased to honor the service SHAES provides our community each and every day,” said Mary Fitzgerald, Auxiliary President. “SHAES provides vital services to our communities every day, most often assisting veterans and their families in time of need.”
SHAES existing fireboat in action
