Skath an Tanlu

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The Skath an Tanlu is a fireboat operated by Cornwall Fire Services, in the United Kingdom.[1] She was launched in mid-summer 2018.[2][3] She replaced the Transco Phoenix, Cornwall's first fireboat, launched in 1999.

Name

The public was asked to suggest names for the fireboat.[4] "Skath an Tanlu" means "fire boat" in the Cornish language.[1]

Design and construction

Like the Transco Phoenix before her, the Skath an Tanlu is a rigid hulled inflatable boat (RHIB).[1] This design was chosen as the Fire Services anticipated it might be necessary to transport the boat, by road, on a trailer, to fight fires across Cornwall. Her top speed is 37 knots. Her water cannon can project a modest 800 litres per minute.

She was built by Ribcraft of Yeovil, Somerset.[1]

Operational career

On August 8, 2022, the Skath an Tanlu assisted land-based firefighters in fighting a small forest fire on the shores of the Helford River.[5] The fire burned approximately one acre of woodland.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Cornwall Fire and Rescue takes delivery of new Fireboat, Safer Cornwall, 2018-07-27. Retrieved on 2022-08-09.
  2. Emma Ferguson]]. Falmouth firefighters bless new 'fire boat', Falmouth Packet, 2018-07-23. Retrieved on 2022-08-09. “Mark Hewitt, assistant chief fire officer, said with the arrival of the new boat, the aim was to visit people living on boats in the Fal River, Penryn River and neighbouring creeks that can be hard to access by land, to talk about fire awareness and safety onboard a boat.”
  3. Skath an Tanlu Fireboat takes to the water – watch video, Cornish stuff, 2018-08-03. Retrieved on 2022-08-09. “The Skath An Tanlu, a name chosen by the public meaning fire boat in Cornish, was launched during a ceremony held at Custom House Quay, Falmouth.”
  4. Anne North. Wanted: a name for Cornwall’s new fire boat, Cornwall Reports, 2017-07-28. Retrieved on 2022-08-09. “North Cornwall’s firefighters are asking for suggestions to name their new fireboat. It is the first purpose- built boat for the service and will be…”
  5. Joseph Macey. Falmouth: Woodland fire on Helford River, Falmouth Nub News, 2022-08-08. Retrieved on 2022-08-09. “Just after 12:30pm on Sunday (7th) a crew from Falmouth was called to smoke coming from Groyne Point, Helford River.”