Click to enlarge
The buoy is lifted off the Norseman I in Seward after a safe return from the Bering Strait.
Since July, a seasonal buoy streaming real-time sea state conditions 30 miles west of King Island in the Bering Strait has been providing data to transiting vessels, fishermen, and forecasters in the area. However, with the onslaught of winter and upcoming sea ice, the buoy has been looking for a ride to shore. Unusually strong storms over the past several weeks made pick-up a challenge, and four potential vessels of opportunity passed through unable to stop.
The buoy is brought onboard by the crew of the Norseman on Nov 1st. Photo courtesy of Olgoonik Fairweather.
On November 1st, the R/V Norseman I successfully plucked the buoy from the water, thanks to ship time donated by Olgoonik Fairweather. The buoy is owned by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and operated by AOOS with funding from the Western Alaska LCC. It will spend the winter in Seward before being redeployed next summer.
AOOS would like to send a big thanks to Olgoonik Fairweather, the crew of the Norseman, and everyone involved in the effort.