The Baxter County Coroner’s Office is evaluating a handheld sonar device designed to locate human bodies underwater, a tool that could significantly improve response times to drowning incidents in the area. Coroner Sam Seamans presented the AquaEye Pro—a three-pound, AI-powered device—during the August 4 Baxter County Quorum Court meeting. Although Seamans clarified he wasn’t officially requesting funds, the device’s performance prompted justices to add it to the budget committee meeting agenda scheduled later this month.
The AquaEye Pro, manufactured by VodaSafe, sends sound waves to identify objects underwater using artificial intelligence to differentiate between logs, tires, and human remains. The device highlights potential human targets on its screen with a red X and provides information on their depth and distance. According to Seamans, the speed and portability of the device make it a game-changer in water recoveries.
Chief Deputy Coroner Sara Fischer, who has undergone extensive training on the AquaEye Pro, has conducted over 100 tests at Bull Shoals Lake. These tests involved deploying divers at various depths and confirming the device's accuracy, which matched within two feet of the divers’ locations. Fischer emphasized that the device could generate results in under 45 seconds, a stark improvement over traditional boat-mounted sonar, which often takes an hour or more to produce usable images.
Currently, drowning operations in Baxter County involve the Sheriff’s Office, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fischer noted that this collaborative effort is both resource-intensive and time-consuming, making the AquaEye Pro an appealing alternative. She also highlighted its potential as a mutual aid asset, as there are no similar devices in use elsewhere in Arkansas.
Baxter County's numerous waterways—two large lakes, rivers, and deep ponds—make water recovery missions a regular challenge, with cases varying in duration. Seamans recalled one recent recovery that took five weeks—Mark Alan Hanes, 48, whose body was found in Bull Shoals Lake on June 1 after being reported missing in late April. Others, like Darren M. Martin’s case in 2024, were resolved in hours. However, some cases remain open, such as a cold case involving a missing man yet to be recovered despite years of effort.
The AquaEye Pro could also aid in identifying remains more quickly, potentially preventing decomposition that often complicates investigations and necessitates further analysis at the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory. Fischer stressed this point, saying faster recoveries could save both time and money for multiple agencies while providing closure to grieving families.
The device’s cost remains a consideration. VodaSafe lists the government price at approximately $13,000, but Seamans noted that the higher-priced package includes additional tools like a tablet that integrates multiple scans into a cohesive search map. For now, the Coroner’s Office plans to continue tests with the loaner unit, with Seamans and Fischer aiming for additional trials before returning the device. County Judge Kevin Litty supported the ongoing evaluation, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting before any purchase is finalized.
Seamans underscored the emotional weight of such recoveries, particularly for families awaiting answers. He shared a story about a child whose drowning took five days to resolve, calling the extended timeline "heartbreaking" for loved ones left waiting. "A device like this could make a significant difference—not just in the speed of recovery, but in helping families begin to heal," he said.