The best modern technology has to offer is being used by Missouri divers when something … or someone … is lost in the water.
The Missouri Water Patrol’s dive team was formed in 1979, when dive equipment by today’s standards was rudimentary. Now the team uses high-tech equipment in search and recovery. Sergeant Jerry Callahan says the divers use sonar and other gear to look for objects underwater. He says the use of high-tech equipment can speed up recovery time.
The dive team has been given the “Silver Fin” Award by the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists. The award is given to the most improved dive team in the nation each year. Callahan says Missouri got it this year because of its use of advanced technology.
He says in addition to looking for victims of drowning or boating accidents, the Water Patrol Dive Team is called out to help find stolen safes, cars and guns. Using cameras, metal detectors, sonar and full-face communications gear not only speeds up those searches, but makes the operations safer for the divers.
Callahan says Missouri’s dive team has even gone to other states to train their divers on the new equipment.
“These new technologies have greatly increased the safety, efficiency, and effectiveness of dive recoveries,” the patrol says.
Missouri. Lt. Wayne Talburt, dive team supervisor for the Water Patrol says, “Our divers were very deserving of receiving this award due to their expertise, dedication, and the use of modern technology to perform the best job possible in an environment that is not at all conducive to the human body.”
Visit www.mswp.dps.mo.gov for more.
Jessica Machetta reports [Download / listen Mp3]
