The Sentinel – More Than Just a Pretty Boat

The Sentinel – Tim Dustrude photo

Sheila Harley from SJI Fire Rescue shares this note about the boat Sentinel…

Dear Editor,

Since the sentinel has been in the news lately, we thought you might want to know a little bit more about her. And we would like to take the opportunity to emphasize the ban on personal fireworks with the Fourth of July weekend approaching.

Yes, The Sentinal can do pretty tricks as pictured here when she helped welcome the new ferry, Samish, to the San Juans. But, she is also very much a working boat as pictured here as she and her crew fought the fire on Goose Island off the southern tip of San Juan recently.

The Sentinal is jointly owned by the Fire/Law Enforcement/EMS Departments. She is 38 feet long and capable of carrying 8,000 lbs of gear and people. She can pump 1500 gallons of water a minute and be used as a water supply for fighting wildland fires (as on Goose Island) and shore front fires. She is designed for beaching. Her drop bow makes it easier to load equipment and EMS patients. The Sentinal has twin 330 HP engines and is capable of doing 30 knots.

On Sundays you are apt to get a glimpse of the Sentinal as she plys the waters and beaches of our islands searching of ideal landing spots. In case an emergency arises on one of the main islands or on a smaller island in San Juan County, the Sentinal must be able to get there in the quickest, most efficient way possible.

As things dry out, San Juan Island Fire & Rescue reminds us to be very cautious with any open flames. Always make sure that a recreational fire is completely extinguished before leaving [the area] unattended.

With the Fourth of July approaching, please remember that personal fireworks are prohibited anywhere in San Juan County, and most fireworks available at the Swinomish reservation are illegal anywhere other than on tribal lands. With the unusally dry conditions, San Juan County Sheriff Ron Krebs has announced that his Deputies will be using a “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to fire works.

San Juan Island Fire & Rescue wishes every one a very Happy and Safe Fourth of July.

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