Nebraska sheriff’s office tests new search and rescue boat to be used for Missouri River rescues
By Mary Regli
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DOUGLAS COUNTY, Nebraska (KETV) — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office made a major upgrade to its Nautical Services Unit: a new boat to enhance water rescue capabilities on the Missouri River and beyond.
In April 2025, DCSO spent dozens of hours on the Missouri River searching for three girls who were swept away by the current.
“We took it all personally. We really wanted to find those girls. You know, we were just with the families, and we wanted to bring closure to the families,” said Chris Ivener with DCSO.
The last DCSO boat that could withstand the Missouri River was retired in 2024.
In their search for the girls, officers said they realized the two smaller boats they were using just couldn’t cut it.
“In the middle of the search and rescue operation, both boats went down, and they just were not made for the sand and the way the Missouri River flows,” said Ivener.
Fast forward a year and a half, and using forfeiture funds and a donation from the Papio-Missouri NRD, the department bought a boat ready to take on the currents of the Missouri.
It features upgraded sonar and enhanced thermal imaging, making it easier to perform night rescues.
The boat is also stronger. It can carry up to 15 people, and it has towing capabilities.
One of the biggest differences is the speed.
With top speeds upward of 58 mph, DCSO’s team says it is nearly twice as fast as its last boat — which could be the difference between life and death.
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