Featured story
More photos

VideoRay Release Details of Drug Interdiction in Jamaica - April 18, 2006

VideoRay Assists in Drug Interdiction – Massive marijuana cache found bolted to hull of US-bound freighter.

VideoRay LLC of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, USA, and Securities Administrators Ltd. (http://www.securityadministrators.com.jm) of Kingston, Jamaica today released further details of the discovery and capture of an attempted shipment of millions of dollars worth of marijuana in December, 2005. The drugs, encased in aluminum containers and bolted to the bow thrusters of an unsuspecting cargo ship bound for the United States, were discovered in a routine underwater inspection using a VideoRay underwater robot.

The VideoRay Pro 3 used was recently upgraded to VideoRay’s new GTO, or Greater Thrust Option propulsion. The VideoRay operator was able to rapidly move throughout the underside of the hull and inspect likely hiding places. The drug cases were spotted through the bow thruster tunnel from pier side of the ship, and the operator rapidly flew underneath the hull to the far side and identified the contraband. The high resolution video showed exactly how the cases were bolted to the thruster grates, allowing divers from the local police to bring the proper tools and remove them rapidly. The VideoRay provided light for the divers, and monitored their work as they unbolted the containers.

This is just the latest of several smuggling attempts that have been thwarted by Security Administrators, using VideoRays. The VideoRay remotely operated vehicles replaced human divers in 2002, proving to be much faster and safer for this job. Some divers who found drugs in the past had been murdered by the vicious drug smugglers.

Security Administrators plan to spread the VideoRay technology throughout the Caribbean as a key tool in improving port security and counter smuggling operations.

About VideoRay:
With more than 2,000 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) in service around the world, VideoRay has clearly become the global leader in Observation ROV technology. VideoRay is an extremely versatile, portable, affordable, and reliable solution for underwater operations including surveys, offshore inspections, search & recovery, homeland & port security, science & research, fish farming, and other unique applications in underwater environments. “Plug and play” technology allows you to quickly attach sensors and accessories in the field so you can successfully complete your mission. VideoRay is available on the General Services Administration.

View more photos

Back to previous

Found 3 images

PRESS

WHY VIDEORAY?

AFFORDABILITY

With ROVs starting under $10,000 (in the US), the cost is quickly justified when compared to commercial dive missions or funding the purchase, mobilization, staffing, and operation of larger ROVs.

PORTABILITY

One person can transport the tiny 8-pound sub, control box and tether. The Scout system weighs less than 70 pounds and packs neatly in one rolling Pelican case. All other systems fit in two Pelican cases that can be transported in a car trunk or helicopter, or checked as airline baggage.

USABILITY

Driving the VideoRay is similar to operating a video game. A specially trained ROV pilot is not needed. (In fact, kids raised on video games routinely put adults to shame piloting VideoRay.). VideoRay is equally at home with a search and rescue team as it is with a yacht owner enjoying live views of a coral reef in St. Thomas. Additional controls on advanced models include front camera focus and tilt, rear camera selection and automatic depth holding (see the product detail pages for complete lists of features and capabilities of each model).

SAFETY

Since VideoRay uses less than 500 watts of power, a car or marine battery with inverter, small gasoline generator, or any 100-240 VAC outlet powers the control box and submersible. The current running through the tether to the submersible is a comparatively safe 48 VDC, rather than the possibly lethal 360-plus VDC used by other ROVs. This makes it safe for divers to handle the submersible in the water, and for kids to swim with it in a pool.

REACH

Standard tether lengths vary by model, but additional neutral, negative, and positively buoyant tethers can be added to extend the overall reach of the VideoRay up to 1,100 feet. Tethers are available in a variety of lengths to meet the needs of particular water conditions or projects.