Tampa Fire Rescue has added a new vessel to its fleet, the Black Eagle, a 38-foot fireboat designed for marine firefighting, search and rescue, and emergency response across Tampa Bay and Port Tampa Bay. According to the Tampa Fire Rescue's Facebook post, city officials, fire leadership, and community partners attended the unveiling ceremony at Port 32 Marina.
The Black Eagle is equipped with a 1,500 GPM fire pump and foam system for marine fires, as well as features for medical emergencies, dive operations, and hazardous material incidents. It includes an EMS cabin with shock-mitigating seats, storage for dive and rescue operations, and specialized access points. Tampa Fire Rescue also highlighted the boat’s advanced electronics, thermal imaging, and long-range searchlights for search operations.
The vessel includes HAZMAT/CBRNE detection and a pressurized filtration system to protect against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats. A sister vessel is expected in 2026. Stationed at Port 32 Marina and operated by crews from Station 19, the Black Eagle expands Tampa Fire Rescue’s marine response capabilities.
