Underwater Rescue Challenge For Tritech's Gemini 720i

Tritech International, the innovative underwater technology company, has recently been involved in the development and design of an underwater and surface water search and rescue package.

Launched in June at the National Fire & Rescue Show 2010, Harrogate, SARbot is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) rescue package, specifically designed for speed and ease of deployment.

The intelligent technology onboard SARbot, a modified LBV (Little Benthic Vehicle) system from San Diego-based SeaBotix Inc., includes Tritech's high resolution imaging sonar, Gemini 720i. Low visibility conditions often restrict effective underwater search and rescue; however Gemini 720i provides clear, real-time sonar imagery which enables rapid response scanning of underwater environments. The rescue effort is further assisted by an onboard camera.

SARbot is equipped with a mechanical arm which can securely grip the person and, via a 100kg working load, onshore rescue personnel can pull the person to shore.

The SARbot rescue package also includes Tritech's new high-frequency StarFish 990F side scan sonar. Towed from a vessel, StarFish 990F provides high definition sonar imagery for target identification. StarFish can cover hundreds of metres of an underwater search area, in a relatively short period of time.

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (FRS) helped develop the prototype SARbot after experiencing problems locating and rescuing persons in challenging conditions.

Mike Broadbent, Tritech International, comments: "We are proud to be involved in such a pioneering project for SAR. This is indeed a new application for Tritech's innovative products and demonstrates the application of our commercial products to the benefit of non-commercial enterprises, which will potentially help save many lives."

Jesse Rodocker, SeaBotix Inc., comments: "The Tritech Gemini 720i imaging sonar is a critical component of the SARbot, enabling rescue teams to locate and rescue the drowning person more rapidly than previously thought possible. Without the Gemini rescue teams are flying blind."

The SARbot rescue package has been developed in conjunction with SeaBotix Inc., San Diego, California, USA, Tritech International, Westhill, Aberdeen, UK and Marine Simulation LLC, North Carolina, USA.

SOURCE: Tritech International