Why all the helicopters? Why haven't I seen boats on TV?

[Wcross]

It seems to me that the helicopters are slow in rescuing people off the roof tops. It also seems dangerous with all the wires.
Are they using boats in the rescue effort? It seems to me that sending out some john boats would be more efficient and quicker. Also they could load them with rescue equipment to cut into the homes to check for people.

[NMDemDist2]

1. there is plenty of boats, just not as photogenic on TV n/t

[uberotto]

2. Probably very dangerous for boats also...

with all of the debris in the water, and all of the objects just below the waterline, which would be invisible through the muddy water. That would keep any larger boats from being useful.

Also, the current could be too strong for small boats to safely navigate.

I heard earlier that the Coast Guard had resuced more than 1200 people in the past 24 hours, so I'm sure that there are boats being used.