New ROV brought in to search for fishermen

RCMP searchers are deploying a new remote operated underwater vehicle in their ongoing search for the missing crew of the scallop dragger Chief William Saulis.

According to a police news release, the Nova Scotia RCMP got the ROV, which is equipped with a Tritech Gemini multi-beam sonar, from RCMP in British Columbia.

“This equipment is newer technology than what has previously been used and will assist members in the search for the sunken vessel,” Tuesday's release said.

“The RCMP underwater recovery team (URT) will be using this specialized technology in the water as they continue to search.”

The team previously used an ROV provided by the Canada Border Services Agency with the help of a Canadian Coast Guard platform but was unable to find any sign of the vessel that went missing on Dec. 15 in the Bay of Fundy. Those lost include Capt. Charles Roberts and crew members Aaron Cogswell, Michael Drake, Daniel Forbes, Geno Francis and Leonard Gabriel. The body of one crew member, Michael Drake, was recovered on Dec. 15.

Weather looked to be favourable on Tuesday for the team to operate in the afternoon during optimal tidal conditions, the news release said.