Remotely operated vehicles, or ROVs, have been known for their ability to help find leaks in offshore drilling rigs or examine areas that commercial divers may need to reach. By using an ROV, those who will be diving have a better idea of what to expect, and can make stronger choices about which areas are safe, providing overall protection. Many times, these resources are needed in a time-sensitive manner, and having an ROV ready at all times can help diving teams be ready at a moment's notice.
For the residents of Stutsman County, North Dakota, an ROV that was on hand allowed the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department to identify a victim who had drowned in the Missouri River. The ROV had been purchased two years ago when another resident drowned in the Jamestown Reservoir. The team had to wait eight days to receive an ROV to identify the body, inspiring the family of the victim to raise money to purchase one for the area, according to the Jamestown Sun.
Because of this, when the rescue team received a call to locate a victim this week, the ROV allowed the team of divers to more accurately find where to look.
"[Using an ROV] alleviates us putting a lot of our divers at risk," Officer Troy Fleck of the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department told the news source. "It took a lot of the guesswork out of the search."
By investing in an ROV, and ROV insurance, rescue teams can protect not only their equipment, but those involved with the mission as well.