Loss and return of Autosub 3 - Celtic Sea

 

 

 

The Story of Autosub

Loss and return of Autosub 3 - Celtic Sea

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It was not possible to complete the first of two Benthic NERC Shelf Seas Biogeochemistry cruises due to the temporary loss of Autosub 3. An immediate post-mission search began, and an estimated position of the AUV was found from its emergency beacon. With time running short, the Autosub was left on the seabed to be recovered a few weeks later by the RV Cefas Endeavour.

It turned out that a fault in a navigation sensor caused the AUV to head in the wrong direction, collide with the seabed, and eventually become entangled in a discarded fishing net.

Autosub 3 was recovered and repaired within two months and subsequently took part in the second cruise back again in the Celtic sea.

 

Autosub in the LMS ready for launch.
Autosub 3 in the Launch and Recovery System (LARS) cradle ready to be deployed.


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