November 1, 2021
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Marine Enforcement Unit recently took possession of a remotely operated vehicle or ROV. The ROV, a BlueLink SARbot, was purchased after the Marine Enforcement Unit was awarded a grant provided by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways. The SARbot is equipped with sonar, a high-definition camera, LED lighting, and a gripper. The ROV can reach depths over 200 feet deep.
The Marine Enforcement Unit, based out of the Colorado River Station, responds to numerous boat accidents every year where victims drown, and search operations are conducted. The Sheriff’s Dive Team responds throughout San Bernardino County, as well as other counties in Region 6 of the California Office of Emergency Services, to assist other departments on their waterways with the recovery of drowned victims. The SARbot will be a valuable tool to assist in locating and recovering victims as well as providing evidence documentation while increasing diver safety by reducing diver fatigue during long operations. Marine Enforcement Unit personnel received training on the use of the ROV last week and are very excited about its potential.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department would like to express its gratitude to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways for their great partnership. Boating Safety Equipment Grants provided by Boating and Waterways helps the Marine Enforcement Unit provide a safe boating environment for the public.
The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit urges all California residents to go online to www.californiaboatercard.com and take the online test to obtain their boater card which is now required by law. The Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit would like to remind everyone to wear their life jackets and to boat sober.
For press releases, news and information, follow the Colorado River Station on Twitter at: @CORiverStation, Facebook @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation and/or Instagram @SBCSDColoradoRiverStation
Refer: Sergeant Travis Vessells
Station: Colorado River Station
Phone No. (760) 326-9200
Shannon D. Dicus, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
