Tenix Shipbuilding WA recently launched its second Search and Rescue vessel built for the Philippine Coast Guard. The 56m vessel is named ‘Don Emilio’. A sister ship, San Juan, delivered in June this year, is already in operation with the Philippine Coast Guard. She has proven to be a capable and reliable vessel.

Designed for rapid response in a maritime emergency, SAR vessels are equipped for recovery of survivors, co-ordination of rescue operations and support of a helicopter (for either airborne search and rescue missions or emergency evacuation). They will also assist with environmental protection and police the maritime environment. Their hulls are constructed of steel and the superstructure of aluminium. Accommodation is provided for a permanent crew of 38, with space for 300 survivors.
Entirely designed by Tenix using a single chine hull to assist planing at high speed, the vessels provide a stable platform in adverse weather. Powered by two Caterpillar 3612 diesel engines driving twin controllable pitch propellers, they are designed to maintain a maximum continuous speed of more than 24.5 knots with a range of 2000 nautical miles at 15 knots.