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Cruise Ship Disaster, Costa Concordia – Rescue Observations
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It is clear that RIBs are playing the key role in ship to shore rescue activities involving the stricken liner, Costa Concordia. Both Valiant inboard propeller powered craft as well all-weather, water-jet powered, KNRM styled SAR vessels are being employed not only to support the rescue and recovery operation but also to serve as standby craft for the personnel working aboard the semi submerged ship. At present, the sea state has remained quite settled with only gentle to moderate swells and reduced chop, but even if the conditions do increase, the advantage of the RIBs with their inflatable or foam collars is their ability to fender right up against the ship’s sides and then hold station. Stability is also a key factor of these rescue craft – both at rest and underway. The larger RIB’s involved in the operation feature water-jet propulsion systems which in these relatively shallow waters is an advantage, plus the manoeuvrability of the water-jet affords the SAR helmsman total control at close quarters. If casualties where in the water, this form of propulsion would also avoid the risk of injury from lethal propellers. As the newsreel show, RIB’s clearly have an increasing and vital role to play in the saving of lives at sea.
HMS
Powerboat & RIB Magazine
