Researchers to Visit ‘Battle of the Atlantic’ Wreckage
Researchers from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its partners are set to visit what remains of two ships—a German U-boat and a Nicaraguan freighter – which sank off Cape Hatteras during World War II’s “Battle of the Atlantic,” which pitted the U-boats of the German navy against combined Canadian, British, and American forces defending Allied merchant ships. By July 1942, the United States had been in World War II for less than a year, but the fight was coming to the nation’s shores.
WWII Wrecks Found off North Carolina
A team of researchers led by NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries have discovered two significant vessels from World War II’s Battle of the Atlantic. The German U-boat 576 and the freighter Bluefields were found approximately 30 miles off the coast of North Carolina. Lost for more than 70 years, the discovery of the two vessels, in an area known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic, is a rare window into a historic military battle and the underwater battlefield landscape of WWII.
Maritime Security East 2014 Underway in Boston
Maritime security and law enforcement experts are gathering in Boston this week to better understand maritime domain awareness and the challenges of port, waterway and coastal security, environmental protection, safety and law enforcement. One big lesson learned is that everything is just a little more challenging on the water. A number of law enforcement agencies from the New England area are attending and participating that have specific duties and functions associated with the maritime environment…
SRI-St. Petersburg Begins Operation of New Unit
Silicon Valley-based SRI International has officially started operations of a new marine technology unit in St. Petersburg, Fla. SRI’s expansion in Florida was first announced on November 30 at a press conference in St. Petersburg with Mayor Rick Baker. The new operation, called SRI-St. Petersburg, is being launched with the transition of up to 40 staff members from the University of South Florida’s Center for Ocean Technology. Six staff members have already joined SRI International and the new program, with several more expected soon. SRI-St. Petersburg plans to grow to 100 jobs over the next five years. In addition, on December 14 the St. Petersburg City Council approved the facility lease and development agreement between the City and SRI. The City of St.
