SFO's New $5.2M Boathouse Ready For Emergencies
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— A new $5.2 million boathouse made its debut Thursday at San Francisco International Airport. The emergency-response facility, located off North Access Road on the bay perimeter of the airport's property, is ready to assist if planes get in trouble over the Bay.
SFO spokesman Mike McCarron said a plane hasn't gone into the water at the location yet and he hopes it never does, but that now they'll be prepared with a self-contained command post that boasts direct electronic links to other airports and emergency service facilities. Not to mention, it has plenty of marine rescue vessels as well as docking options.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
"Right now if we want to put a boat in the water we basically have to launch the boat. It takes anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes to get the boat trailer, back it up, launch the boat and get the firefighters into the water," McCarron said.
The new boathouse will have two jet skis, scuba gear, a Zodiac inflatable boat, a Boston Whaler, and a 44-foot Moose Boat. In addition it will have medical equipment and supplies.
"Now the boats will be sitting in the water, in the boathouse and they can be launched in less than five minutes. It's going to be a remarkable improvement," said McCarron.
The boathouse is said to exceed the Federal Aviation Administration's safety requirements for airports that operate at or near a large body of water.
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