Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet put the second Project 23370M search and rescue boat into operation, Russia’s defense ministry announced November 6.
Named SMK-2177, the boat is the second of three next-generation multifunctional search-and-rescue cutters the Russian Navy intends to put into service by 2018.
The Russian Navy already operates 12 Project 2337o cutters which entered service between 2014 and 2015.
According to the Russian Navy, improved Project 23370M cutters distinguish themselves from their predecessors through increased dimensions, better seaworthiness, greater speed and improved operational capacities.
The modular catamarans will be used by the navy as platforms for diving and search and rescue operations, fire fighting and environmental protection operations.
SMK-2176 joined Russia’s Northern Fleet while SMK-2177 will be joining the Pacific Fleet in Vladivostok and Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Specialists of the rescue team of the Pacific Fleet have put into operation a multifunctional modular diving boat of a new generation “SMK-2177”.