In Jackson County, Michigan, water rescues are taking a leap into the future, thanks to an innovative underwater drone now in use by the Summit Township Fire Department. The drone was showcased in an insightful demonstration led by firefighters Joseph Rayburn and Donovan Green on Thursday, May 18.
Their tool of choice is the QYSEA FIFISH V6 Expert Underwater ROV, a drone that can plunge to depths of 600 feet and endure temperatures ranging from a frigid -14 degrees to a scorching 140 degrees.
“It can be used during the day, night, spring, summer, fall, or winter,” Rayburn said, emphasizing its adaptability.
A critical feature of the drone is its camera, which broadcasts live footage from beneath the water surface directly to tablets in the hands of the rescuers. This real-time view of the underwater environment is invaluable for effective search and rescue operations.
During the demonstration, firefighters from the Napoleon Township Fire Department reportedly looked on as the drone was tasked with locating a dummy submerged at the bottom of Vandercook Lake.
Images courtesy of Sydney Verlinde | MLive.com
