WVU Medicine donates advanced underwater drone

Following the devastating mid-June flooding in the Wheeling area, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital has donated a cutting-edge QYSEA Fifish V6 underwater drone to the Ohio County Emergency Management Agency (EMA). This investment provides emergency responders with advanced capabilities to aid in future search and rescue operations.

The donation came after discussions between the Ohio County EMA and WVU Medicine regionally, who explored technology that could enhance recovery efforts in challenging flood conditions. Unlike traditional methods – such as aerial drones, search dogs, divers, and spotters – the underwater drone allows for direct visual access beneath the surface, even in murky or fast-moving water.

The QYSEA Fifish V6 features:
•  A 200-meter operational range
•  AI-assisted camera technology that helps locate and navigate to specific targets
•  High-clarity underwater vision
•  An articulating arm for grabbing or retrieving submerged objects

This technology represents a significant leap forward for local emergency management, allowing for safer, more accurate, and more efficient underwater search and recovery operations. This drone will be housed with the Ohio County EMA team, though it will be available to all regional emergency response teams. The cost of the drone was covered equally by WVU Medicine Wheeling and Reynolds Memorial Hospitals.

Pictured, from left to right, are: Michael Loborec, paramedic, Ohio County EMS; Chris Mercer, director of operations, Reynolds Memorial Hospital; John Sebring, director of safety and emergency management, Wheeling Hospital; Iian Lake, director of supply chain operations, WVU Medicine Northern Region; Tony Campbell, deputy director, Ohio County EMA; Lou Vargo, director, Ohio County EMA; and Lane Ferrell, paramedic, Ohio County EMS.