MWDN: Future of Southborough hovercraft up in air

Did you know Southborough has a hovercraft? We do, but perhaps not for much longer. The Fire Department got a grant to purchase the boat in 2003 with the intent of using it for water and ice rescues, but the Metrowest Daily News reported this weekend they’re now considering selling the craft.

(Fire Chief) Joseph Mauro Friday acknowledged that the lack of money has made it tough to justify maintaining and training firefighters to man the craft, especially since it normally isn’t used too many times during the year.

“It’s difficult to control and stop,” he said. “It could be potentially dangerous to us, and we want to make sure that if we’re going to use it, we’re going to use it right.”

The craft was obtained by the town in 2003 through a $25,000 grant secured by former state Rep. Paul Loscocco.

Pop over and read more in this article by the MWDN. What do you think? Should the town hold on to the hovercraft, or is it time to let it go? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Frank Crowell
11 years ago

I read the article and found myself asking more questions then were being answered by the article.

– How many times has the hovercraft been used since 2003?

– Is it true that all that is really needed for stranded ice fishermen on the reservoir is more rope?

– Was Paul Loscocco running for re-election when he obtained the funding for the hovercraft?

What ever the answers might be, I vote for more rope.

John Kendall
11 years ago
Reply to  Frank Crowell

The article was not well written. The hovercraft was a great idea when purchased, but as time has proven, it requires a lot of regular training.

Sharon
11 years ago

Virgil, who was rescued from the ice with the aid of the hovercraft in December 2004, is forever grateful to the Southborough Fire Dept.

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