The search operation for the fishing boat Vilaboa Uno has expanded to include a second robot from the Civil Guard, a semi-submersible vehicle designed to maneuver through challenging sea and current conditions. Despite the enhanced effort, authorities could not locate the wreck that sank six miles north of Santander last Monday.
On the previous day, currents impeded movement, and the Civil Guard Underwater Activities Unit’s robot dived in the search zone but did not find the crew who disappeared in the western area on Thursday after their vessel struck the seabed about 130 meters away. The ship involved is associated with two fatalities among its crew.
To bolster the search, the Comanche Sea Rescue robot will join the operation. It will not be deployed immediately, pending judicial authorization. The plan, as outlined by officials, is to integrate this new asset into the ongoing mission in a timely manner, while ensuring all procedural steps are followed.
The Don Inda vessel is already in Ferrol port, preparing for the arrival and deployment of Rov Comanche, a development reported by the Government Delegation in Cantabria. The additional equipment is intended to be incorporated into the search configuration as soon as possible. The transfer of Rov Comanche to Santander and the subsequent setup will occur after a careful calibration and testing phase on the Don Inda platform.
The Don Inda will serve as the operating platform from which Rov Comanche will operate for a period. The primary objective is to thoroughly inspect the area where Vilaboa sank and to map the underwater conditions and potential hazards. A control cabin will be established on deck to supervise and coordinate all underwater search activities aimed at locating the missing sailor(s).
In addition, the area will be surveyed to assess any possible contamination stemming from the sunken fishing vessel, with environmental monitoring incorporated into the mission’s scope. This precaution aims to protect the surrounding marine environment and inform any needed response measures.
robot features
Rov Comanche weighs about 1,200 kilograms and is designed to operate in conditions up to 25 knots of wind and a Beaufort scale sea state of four. It features seven thrusters, four oriented horizontally and three vertically, enabling a maximum cruising speed of roughly three knots and a payload capacity of about 250 kilograms. This configuration supports sustained underwater operations in relatively demanding conditions.
The robot is equipped with four cameras, including two mounted on motorized supports, a search sonar with a maximum range of 300 meters, and a sonar-altimeter capable of measuring depth up to 50 meters. A depth gauge and surface-position flasher provide crucial situational awareness. In addition, Rov Comanche has two hydraulic arms and a cable cutter with a guillotine mechanism to clear obstructions or retrieve objects as needed.
Power and control are managed through a tethered data link that transmits video from the cameras and sensor and sonar data to the surface control center aboard the Don Inda. This real-time feed supports remote decision-making, ensuring operators can direct the mission with precision and safety in mind. As the operation progresses, officials will continue to evaluate the best combination of assets to improve the chances of locating the missing crew and mitigating environmental risks.