Fureboat, an invention by NIT Trichy professor S. Muthukumaran, is a furniture-cum-emergency boat designed to safeguard lives and valuables during floods. This cost-effective device, which can be used as furniture in normal times and easily converted into a boat for rescue operations in flood situations. It is made from polymer matrix with glass fiber or lightweight materials, and reinforced with bamboo and steel. The Fureboat has demonstrated its use in actual floods by evacuating hundreds of people from flooded areas, shifting animals, and providing a means of commute during emergencies. Its demonstration and patent filing highlight its potential for disaster management and social impact.
The Fureboat’s design and functionality have been recognized and appreciated by government officials and experts in disaster management. Its practicality and affordability make it a valuable tool for communities vulnerable to flooding, offering a versatile and readily available resource for emergency situations. The Fureboat concept is part of a broader framework that includes disaster prevention, mitigation, preparedness, and response, emphasizing early warning systems. Other applications of Fureboat includes Ice box cum rescue boat for fishermen, furniture cum rescue boat in ferry boats.