Elba FD can navigate tough spots on Pea River with new airboat

Members of the Elba Fire Department have a new airboat that could become a lifesaver and they showed it off to the Coffee County Commission on July 27.

The airboat, which has been a work in progress for months, was partially funded by the Coffee County Commission and the City of Elba, who each provided $16,000 for the boat. It ultimately cost $70,000, according to Elba Fire Chief Drew Parker.

Parker said that Elba Fire Department’s airboat is the only one within 10 counties and could be a literal lifesaver.

“It’s very important to us to have this because there’s about 12-15 miles on the Pea River that’s used for recreation – especially with a kayaking business there in Elba – and once someone gets stranded out there or there is some kind of medical emergency they call us.

“The only way to get to some of those places is pretty much with a kayak because the water levels are so shallow. A traditional outboard vessel will not be able to navigate those places in the river.”

Parker said the airboat could even cross dry land when needed.

“This vessel can navigate very shallow water and can cross dry land if necessary,” Parker said. “It’s really the only answer to be able to get to those people that are stranded or in need of medical services.”

Parker said that there are a number of spots located on the Pea River between the boat landing in Kinston and the bridge crossing Pea River on Highway 167 that have made rescue operations very difficult and this airboat is the answer for that issue.

“This is a very big deal for us,” Parker said. “I’ve been a part of the department for 15 years and we’ve been dealing with those (types of) rescues every year since I’ve been here and have never been able to navigate the river until now.”