Underwater DVI: Simple fingerprint technique for positive identification

Area of Science:

• Forensic Science
• Disaster Management
• Maritime Operations

Background:

• Underwater recovery operations are complex due to hazardous conditions like poor visibility and depth.
• Handling human remains in aquatic environments poses unique forensic challenges.
• A helicopter crash in a river necessitated a challenging underwater search and recovery mission.

Observation:

• The recovery team faced difficulties including environmental hazards and victim decomposition.
• Conventional fingerprinting techniques were adapted for challenging underwater conditions.
• Smartphone photography and WhatsApp facilitated rapid transmission of fingerprint data.

Findings:

• All five Malaysian victims were identified within 10 minutes using conventional fingerprinting.
• The pilot, a foreign national, required specialized techniques due to limited usable prints.
• The pilot was identified within 20 minutes using enhanced smartphone macro photography.

Implications:

• This case demonstrates the efficacy of using readily available technology for rapid forensic identification in disaster scenarios.
• Adaptable fingerprinting methods can overcome challenges posed by decomposed or mutilated remains.
• Mobile technology integration can significantly expedite victim identification in mass casualty incidents.