CAPE MAY — The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Willow, home ported in Newport, R.I., is on its way to Sandy Hook where it will pick up a State Police Marine Division remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and members of the Marine Board of Investigation and proceed to the site of the Lady Mary wreck.
The commercial fishing boat sank 60 miles off the coast of Cape May on March 24.
On Wednesday April 29, the team will attempt to launch the ROV.
Petty Officer Christopher McLaughlin said stormy weather is forecast for Wednesday, which could prevent operations. The ROV activity would be rescheduled for Thursday April 30, he said.
McLaughlin said the Willow would stay on scene for as long as possible to launch the ROV.
A private dive team comprised of volunteers on behalf of Roy Smith, who lost two sons and a brother in the accident, was set to examine the site of the sinking this week but that has been postponed until aftrt the Coast Guard ROV operation, said McLaughlin.
According to NOAAs Ocean Explorer Web site, ROVS are remotely operated underwater vehicles which are unoccupied, highly maneuverable underwater robots operated by a person aboard a surface vessel.
They are linked to the ship by a group of cables that carry electrical signals back and forth between the operator and the vehicle. Most are equipped with at least a video camera and lights. Additional equipment is commonly added to expand the vehicle’s capabilities.
These may include a still camera, a manipulator or cutting arm, water samplers, and instruments that measure water clarity, light penetration, and temperature.
Once the ROV operation is complete, the dive team will be allowed to proceed, he said.
A Marine Board of Investigation into the sinking, with multiple loss of life, of the fishing vessel Lady Mary is scheduled to reconvene a public formal hearing beginning May 4 at 9 a.m. at the Coast Guard Training Center. The board is investigating the circumstances relating to the sinking of the vessel and will develop recommendations to improve the safety and operations of similar vessels.
The National Transportation Safety Board is also participating in the investigation.
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