Submersible underwater dredge with integrated metal detector

A hand-held submersible dredging device, comprising:

• a pipe apparatus including a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper pipe portion;
• the lower portion connected in fluid communication with the intermediate portion;
• the intermediate portion connected in fluid communication between a motor outlet connection and a catch can connection;
• a non-fluidic mechanical coupling connecting the upper pipe portion to the intermediate portion, wherein the upper pipe portion is sealed from the fluid communication of the intermediate portion to define a dry internal environment within the upper pipe portion;
• a battery disposed within the dry internal environment for powering the device;
• a metal detector powered by the battery, and comprising a search plate disposed about a distal end of the lower portion;
• a catch can connected in fluid communication with the catch can connection;
• an electric pump mechanically powered by the battery, and connected to and carried by the lower portion, the electric pump connected in fluid communication with the motor outlet connection such that, when the electric pump is activated while submerged in water, a water jet flowing through the motor outlet connection, intermediate portion, catch can connection, and into the catch can is formed,
• wherein the water jet causes suction at the distal end of the lower portion via venturi effect,
• the suction at the proximal end yielding suction at the distal end of the lower portion such that a mixture of water and solids located adjacent the distal end of the lower portion is sucked through the lower portion and into the intermediate portion at which point the water jet forces the mixture into the catch can so that at least some of the solids are retained within the catch can.