NOAA Orders Research RHIB from Willard
Willard Marine, Inc.was awarded a contract by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to produce a 20’08” rigid hull inflatable boat for the Pacific Island Fisheries Science Center (PIFSC) to facilitate their fisheries and marine mammal research in the Pacific region. Willard Marine will provide a slightly modified version of their SEA FORCE 730, a military-grade, aluminum, rigid hull inflatable boat (RHIB) that is designed with a deep-V hull for maximum stability in the roughest sea conditions. The 20’08” research RHIB designed for NOAA is constructed in accordance with ABYC standards and Subchapter S requirements, and is fitted with both lift fittings and a lift sling that are designed for hoisting 6,700-pounds of weight with a 6:1 weight ratio safety factor.
Boat-towed Detectors Assist Researchers and Salvors
A number of archaeological groups and marine service companies are acquiring boat-towed metal detectors to assist in locating shipwrecks and to perform geophysical surveys. These devices can locate a variety of targets including the piles of magnetic ballast stones found on many old wrecks, gold and silver bars, cannons, anchors, pipelines, cables, and various metal debris which must be removed from an area before dredging. The two primary pieces of equipment used in these operations are a magnetometer and pulse induction (PI) metal detectors.
Dog Adrift: Day 22
It seems the fate of the little dog Forgea, adrift in the Pacific has now garnered the close attention of the U.S. Coast Guard, as the ship has meandered into U.S. waters near Johnston Island and the USCG is reportedly taken over the recovery of the abandoned tanker. The Coast Guard was sending a salvage tug on a three-day trip to assess the potential environmental danger to the island. The burned-out tanker is said to be carrying in excess of 60,000 gallons of diesel fuel and lube oil. The American Quest, the same ship contracted by the Hawaiian Humane Society to rescue Forgea on April 5, has now been contracted by the U.S. Coast Guard to remove the disabled Insinko because of potential for environmental impact.
