U.S. Sen. Jack Reed joined state and local officials dockside Wednesday to launch South Kingstown’s new harbor patrol vessel, funded almost entirely with $500,000 in federal money.
The 27-foot SAFE Boats T-Top vessel carries a 600-horsepower engine and is equipped for emergency response and search and rescue, with an aluminum hull and expanded deck space. The town’s emergency management agency will operate it, enforcing navigation and waterfront laws, promoting boater safety and responding to on-water incidents around Point Judith Pond — a four-mile coastal salt pond connecting Point Judith Harbor with Block Island Sound. Harbor Patrol responds around the clock.
Reed delivered the funding through the American Rescue Plan Act. South Kingstown contributed roughly $2,000.
“This new boat is a critical tool that will help them respond to all sorts of emergencies, from accidents and distress calls to medical emergencies to chemical spills or other incidents,” Reed said. “It can get first responders quickly to the scene to help save lives.”
Town Manager James Manni thanked the Town Council and Reed for the federal resources.
The town said the vessel is needed as tourism, recreation and waterfront commerce draw more boat traffic to its waterways.
