Pittsburgh River Rescue launched its newest boat today.
This boat replaces one made in the 1980s, adding some of the most advanced water rescue technology Pittsburgh's fleet.
"We have the new sonar unit which will help with subsurface searches, as well as radar and enhanced lighting so that we can do searches not only in the water, but along the shoreline," said head of River Rescue Rich Linn.
He says despite 264 calls for River Rescue last year, the pandemic kept the rivers pretty empty.
The new boat launches as more people are expected to hit the water this summer.
"Last summer was pretty bleak, actually," Linn said. "We didn't have that many people out on the water. COVID did a number on pretty much everybody's recreation. I anticipate we're going to see more of that this year. I really hope so because the rivers are a great asset that we have here in the city."
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The newest boat will become River Rescue's primary rescue vessel along with the Sea Ark boat currently in service.
"This new vessel will be able to better support them in the day-to-day operations in saving the lives of our residents and visitors to the city of Pittsburgh," said Public Safety Director Wendell Hissrich.
The boat was manufactured by Lake Assault in Superior, WI.