“Today, a dream is realized and a mission begins, ensuring safety for lives and property at sea,” said Cabo San Lucas Fire Department Commander Juan Carbajal during Wednesday’s official commissioning ceremony for the fireboat AINA, the first vessel of its kind in Mexico.
The June 24 ceremony was attended by maritime and nautical authorities, along with municipal, state and federal officials.
“The Cabo San Lucas Fire Department extends its gratitude to everyone who made this dream possible, especially the Bisbee fishing tournaments, CEO Wayne Bisbee and his entire family,” Carbajal said. He also thanked project leader Don Clicerio Mercado, Jacqueline Liceaga, who will oversee operations, and the Cabo San Lucas Fire Department Board of Trustees for their support.
“This is for Cabo San Lucas, where your safety is our priority,” he said.
Mexico’s First Maritime Fireboat
The commissioning of AINA marks a significant milestone in strengthening emergency response capabilities at one of Mexico’s busiest marinas. The vessel is specifically designed to combat maritime fires and respond to emergencies in the harbor, where more than 1,700 vessels and dozens of waterfront businesses operate.
Carbajal said the need for a dedicated fireboat became apparent several years ago because land-based firefighting equipment could only reach portions of the marina.
“When a fire occurred inside the marina, it was up to where the truck could reach, and in the case of the sea, we were only spectators of the fire,” Carbajal said. With AINA, firefighters can attack fires directly from the water using seawater, firefighting foam and specialized suppression agents.
Vessel Specifications and Operations
The 30-foot MC-300 monohull fireboat has a 10-foot beam and a carrying capacity of up to four tons. It can transport between 30 and 40 people, although its standard operating crew consists of a captain, a sailor and two firefighters.
Powered by twin 175-horsepower engines and equipped with a 200-liter fuel tank, the vessel is designed to provide rapid response during maritime emergencies.
Carbajal said a dedicated marine fire station will be established inside the marina. “The substation will be located inside the marina. Right now, the details are being finalized and permits are being obtained to secure a dedicated dock for the vessel, in addition to a space where marine firefighters can work their shifts,” he said.
The fireboat cost more than 5 million pesos (approximately $285,500 USD) and was financed entirely through private donations and support from civic organizations and sponsors, including Wild Cabo, Bisbee’s México and Bisbee’s Offshore Fishing Tournaments.
The AINA project was built by the Maritime and Naval Bureau (MNB) shipyard in La Paz, Baja California Sur. Officials hope the vessel will become a national model for maritime fire protection and improve emergency response times in ports throughout Mexico.
AINA is the first firefighting vessel of its kind to enter service in Mexico.
