John J. Harvey

Category: Historic Ships

Current use: Currently being overhauled at Derecktor Shipyard in Bridgeport, CT.

Built: 1931 Todd Shipyards, Brooklyn
Length: 130, Beam: 28, Draft: 9.0
Gross tons: 268 Hull: STEEL
Original Use: FDNY Fireboat
Designation:. National Register of Historic Places, National Historic Landmark

Description: The fastest large fireboat in the world, clocking over 17 knots, and once the most powerful with eight water canons that can pump 18,000 GPM. Named for a downed fireboat captain, the Harvey was the longest serving FDNY fireboat when it retired in 1995. Purchased at auction in 1999 and today shares its classic water display at harbors events. She answered the call for the Normandie fire in 1942 and aided in World Trade Center relief efforts on 9/11. The vessel received a New York State Preservation matching grant in the amount of $320,000, which must be matched by 2009.