CHATHAM – U.S. Coast Guard Station Chatham is seeking a shallow-draft boat because officials said that the entrance channel is getting shallower and is posing a danger to vessels.
The station is currently using 42-foot lifeboats stationed at the fish pier to respond to vessels in distress.
Data is being compiled by the Coast Guard Sector Southeastern New England at Woods Hole to make the case for the shallow-draft boat.
“We were just looking at the prior history of search and rescue cases that we had, compiled those with tidal changes and reached an agreement that Station Chatham could utilize a small-craft boat,” said Coast Guard Operations Petty Officer Derek Seehagen.
Officials said that having the boat would better position the Coast Guard in responding to incidents in shallow water in Chatham Harbor.
There are two shallow-draft boats being considered, including one in the 20-23 foot range with a drafts of up to 18 inches.
Seehagen said that the boat wouldn’t have to be built.
“It would be a boat that’s already in service from the Coast Guard, so it wouldn’t be a new boat, it would be a boat that the Coast Guard has already developed,” said Seehagen.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter