Chasing ROV Saves Lives - Assists in Night-time River Rescue
On the night of August 20, 2024, a tragic incident occurred in Ulsan, South Korea, when a 60-year-old woman fell into the Taehwa River. Responding swiftly to the emergency call, the Ulsan Fire Department Special Response Team deployed advanced technology to overcome the challenges of conducting a night-time search and rescue operation in fast-moving waters.
Within just 10 minutes, the missing woman was located using the CHASING M2 PRO MAX underwater robot (ROV) combined with BP imaging sonar a ground-breaking achievement that underscores the importance of modern equipment in life-saving missions.
Overcoming the Challenges of Night-time Water Rescues
Water rescues at night are among the most complex emergency operations. Traditional diver deployment is often restricted due to safety concerns, particularly when visibility is near zero and river currents are strong. In such conditions, wide search zones demand significant manpower and equipment, often extending the duration of recovery operations.
The Ulsan Fire Department, however, had recently undergone specialized training with the CHASING ROV (August 12–14) to prepare for real-world scenarios. This readiness allowed them to deploy the unit immediately, ensuring the victim was located in record time.
How the CHASING M2 PRO MAX Made the Difference
The CHASING M2 PRO MAX is designed specifically for professional-grade underwater inspections, search and rescue missions, and law enforcement use. Equipped with high-definition imaging, sonar integration, and powerful manoeuvrability, it allows operators to quickly and safely scan large areas underwater even in complete darkness.
In this case, the ROV’s sonar detection system was key. Despite heavy rain and strong currents, the CHASING ROV delivered precise imaging, leading rescue teams directly to the missing person in under 10 minutes.
An official from the Ulsan Fire Department commented: “In rescue scenes that happen at night, the search area is wide and requires a lot of personnel and equipment due to limited visibility and water currents. However, by using an underwater robot, we were able to find the missing person in a short period of time. We will continue to actively introduce and utilize cutting-edge equipment to ensure safe rescue activities in the future.”
A New Standard for Rescue Operations
This successful deployment marked the first time the Ulsan Fire Department used an underwater robot to locate a victim, and the speed of discovery was noted as “remarkably fast, even by national standards.”
The incident demonstrates not only the potential of ROV technology but also its practical, life-saving benefits. By integrating tools like the CHASING M2 PRO MAX, emergency responders can minimize risk to divers, reduce operational time, and achieve more successful outcomes.
Alphageo: Delivering Proven Underwater Solutions
At Alphageo, we are proud to provide CHASING ROVs and other advanced underwater solutions that empower organizations from public safety agencies to commercial operators with the technology they need to succeed in challenging environments.
The Ulsan case is a clear example of how ROVs are transforming search and rescue operations worldwide, turning difficult missions into achievable successes.
If your organization is looking to enhance its underwater capabilities with proven, field-tested equipment like the CHASING M2 PRO MAX, contact us today. Together, we can bring innovation below the surface where every second counts.
