Help Fuel our Search for the Missing

Man on a Mission!

Hello, my name is Vern Shurtz and I am the Owner/Operator of Helo & Sub, a one-man operation to explore the natural and human world around us. I am a US Navy Submarine Veteran with 13 years served and have a background in Nuclear Mechanical Engineering, Radiological Controls, and was an Engineering and Submarine Damage Control Instructor. I have over 15 years of operator experience and expert knowledge in Unmanned Systems Technology and Services (i.e. Aerial Drones, underwater ROVs, etc.). I'm highly certified in Unmanned Operations, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue/Recovery.

Being semi-retired, I have been looking for a way to give back to the community and searching for missing persons has become a calling of sorts and I dedicate much of my time to finding the missing at no cost to families or local authorities. Last year my search partner, Ken Fleming of Recon Dive Recovery, and I helped to locate and recover the remains of 2 missing persons underwater. These were cold cases dating back to 1992 and 2000 respectively and both went missing along with their vehicles.

Hiram Martinez Found. Missing since 1992

To date, we have located over 75 vehicles and watercraft using our custom developed Uncrewed Sonar Search Vessels (USSV). We sonar map retention ponds, canals, small lakes, and rivers and assess our findings with ROVs, Underwater Camera systems and when needed, my search partner dives on the anomaly. We then report to local authorities our findings.

Vehicle Dump Site, South Florida

We work hand in hand with public safety organizations helping to train them in our technology and techniques. We have worked with detectives on homicide cases looking for evidence underwater and recently we helped to save a stricken kayaker that flipped over in 55° water in NC during an aquatic search and recovery training event.

Our LIVE RESCUE in Lake Mackintosh, Burlington, NC.

We have also expanded our search efforts to recent missing persons and located two individuals on land this year. Unfortunately, both were deceased. We monitor numerous states endangered persons alert systems looking for cases where we can help make a difference and bring loved ones home.

Missing Person Kelly Hook Located

For well over a year, we have self-funded all of our search efforts, developed sonar-based search technology, and purchased the equipment needed to effectively and efficiently search for the missing.

April ROV Operations

When on the road, we live and work out of a converted 6x12 cargo trailer. We cook meals, eat, sleep, and plan our next day's search in this home on wheels removing the huge expense associated with hotel rooms and Air B&Bs and eating fast food or in restaurants. Our main expense is fuel for our vehicles.

So here is the ask. Help us fuel our searches by donating to this GoFundMe. Without fuel we are dead in the water. Some of these proceeds will also be used for groceries to fuel our bodies and minds, and provide kibble and treats for our 4-legged search companions. Our search efforts are mainly in Florida and North Carolina and extend to other states in the the southeast. We consider searches outside this region on a case by case basis.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Be blessed by love and hold those dearest to you close.