National

Autonomous, Solar-Powered Kayak Adrift Off Nova Scotia Looking For Help

The Canadian Press, 23 Jun, 2016 11:44 AM

HALIFAX — An unmanned kayak, powered by the sun and the ambitions of two young engineers, may be taking a more leisurely route across Atlantic than originally planned.

The lonely Solar Voyager set off from Gloucester, Mass., on June 1 in a bid to become the first autonomous boat to make the transatlantic voyage.

But according to its Twitter feed, the sleek 250-kilogram kayak has become adrift off Nova Scotia's east coast after possibly getting snarled in fishing gear.

The feed says the project team temporarily halted one of its two motors Wednesday as it was headed further away from land, and that the other motor and rudder were not working properly.

The team, made up of two engineers now working in Singapore, says it's hoping fishermen on the Grand Banks find the boat and free it from the nets.

A post on Sunday described dragging that was so violent it blocked transmissions from the satellite modem on board the four-metre-long aluminum boat, which has two solar panels as its main power source.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Disease Found In Salmon On One Fish Farm In B.C. But More Research Needed

VANCOUVER — Scientists have detected a potential disease in farmed Atlantic salmon for the first time in British Columbia, but say more research is needed to determine if it could affect wild populations of the fish.

Disease Found In Salmon On One Fish Farm In B.C. But More Research Needed

Terrorism-related Peace Bond To Be Lifted For P.E.I. University Student

CHARLOTTETOWN — The lawyer for a P.E.I. man accused of having enough castor beans to produce the deadly toxin ricin says his client will soon be freed from the conditions of a peace bond he signed a year ago.

Terrorism-related Peace Bond To Be Lifted For P.E.I. University Student

B.C. Government To Add 2,700 New Seats In Surrey's Overcrowded Schools

The B.C. government has announced funding for as many as 2,700 new spaces in Surrey's public schools.

B.C. Government To Add 2,700 New Seats In Surrey's Overcrowded Schools

Independent Investigation Issues Update On Fatal Shooting In B.C.

The independent body that responds to all deadly or serious police incidents in British Columbia has offered an update on a fatal police shooting last month in the northwestern community of Granisle.

Independent Investigation Issues Update On Fatal Shooting In B.C.

Pickup Tail Gate Thefts Result In Arrests In Ridge Meadows, B.C.

Ridge Meadows RCMP have arrested two men after they were found in possession of five pickup truck tail gates that are believed to be stolen.

Pickup Tail Gate Thefts Result In Arrests In Ridge Meadows, B.C.

Alberta Bringing In Extra Firefighters To Gain Upper Hand On Fort McMurray Fire

EDMONTON — A massive wildfire that destroyed parts of Fort McMurray hasn't grown in size in the forest around the city and officials are bringing in more firefighters to try and gain the upper hand.